Archives: Video

The UMWA is once again leading the way to preserve coal jobs and communities!

Some news stories are out there with fake news about the UMWA’s plan and what it does.

Read for yourself! 

Click here to read the complete list of UMWA’s principles for Energy Transition.

Joined by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) at a National Press Club Newsmaker on April 19, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts will outline the initiatives the union believes are needed to address the current economic devastation that exists in America’s coal-producing areas and provide a pathway for a better future for coal miners, their families and communities as a result of any future energy transition.

“Much of the coal-producing areas of Appalachia and elsewhere are already in bad economic shape,” Roberts said.

“Washington has taken little action to address it over the past decade. That must change.

“And as we confront the next wave of the energy transition, we must take steps now to ensure that things do not get worse for coal miners, their families, and communities, but in fact get better.”

A message from President Roberts and Secretary-Treasurer Levi Allen to Local Union 717 celebrating the re-opening of the plant in Ilion, New York.

Today, The United Mine Workers of America International Union recognize National Vietnam War Veterans Day. On March 29, 1973, the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam.

“Just let me say, to every Vietnam Veteran out there, thank you for your service and welcome home.” – UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts

Source: BC Labour Heritage Centre

December 12, 2021

On Saturday, December 12th, 2020, the BC Labour Heritage Centre held a virtual unveiling of the new historic plaque in Nanaimo, BC. The plaque recognizes the Great Coal Strike lasting from 1912-1914. The strike is considered the fiercest labor dispute in the province’s history. The plaque is located in Dallas Square, Nanaimo, beside the “100 Years of Coal” monument.

From the 1870’s on, the coal miners of Vancouver Island had fought strike after strike to force the hardnosed coal barons to recognize a union.

Thanks to strikebreakers, blacklists, anti-union courts and the forces of so-called law and order, they lost them all.

Finally, in 1911, the miners invited in the tough, experienced and deep-pocketed United Mineworkers of America (UMWA) to make one last all-out attempt to bring the mine owners to heel.

What started as a flare-up over safety quickly sparked into  a conflict that was the most protracted, violent and hard-fought strike in BC’s long labour history. It lasted two years, from 1912 to 1914. This is the story of the Vancouver Island Coal Strike.

UMWA International President Roberts looks to the future and talks about the UMWA’s need to keep the jobs we have, expand in the jurisdictions we are now and the importance of organizing new workers.

UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts offers a candid assessment of “perhaps the worst year in the history of our country” and its impact on our union and our members.