Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Mine Workers.
Name of Union: United Mine Workers (UMWA)
Mission: To provide workers with a voice on the job and financial security at home, to fight for safe workplaces, good wages and benefits, and to provide strong representation for working families.
Current Leadership of Union: Cecil E. Roberts serves as international president of UMWA. Roberts is a sixth-generation coal miner from Kanawha County, West Virginia. He began his career at Carbon Fuels' No. 31 mine in Winifred, West Virginia. In 1982, he was elected international vice president of UMWA and was re-elected subsequently before first being elected president in 1995. He is currently serving his fifth full term as president.
Levi Allen serves as international secretary-treasurer. UMWA also has nine vice presidents: Chuck Knisell, Steve Earle, Gary Trout, Larry Spencer, Michael Dalpiaz, Rick Altman, James Gibbs, Don Barnett and Donnie Samms.
Members Work As: Coal miners, manufacturing workers, clean coal technicians, health care workers, corrections officers and public employees.
Industries Represented: The mining industry, public employees, manufacturing, health care, the Navajo Nation and retirees throughout the United States and Canada.
History: Founded in 1890, UMWA has a rich history. Watch this video to learn more:
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The United Mine Workers Journal, COMPAC, Mine Academy Safety Committee Training, UMWA Career Centers, the UMWA Store.