UMWA   8315 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22031

United Mine Workers of America

Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1890, the United Mine Workers of American (UMWA) came about as a result of the merger of the Knights of Labor Trade Assembly No. 135 and the National Progressive Union of Miners and Mine Laborers. The UMWA is dedicated to fighting for safe workplaces, good wages and benefits, and fair representation for its membership, which includes workers employed in the following occupations throughout North America:

• Coal miners
• Clean coal technicians
• Health care workers
• Truck and bus drivers
• Manufacturing workers
• Public employees

The UMWA led the fight to gain American workers the eight hour work day, pensions, health care programs, and paid holidays. In addition, the union was active in the struggle for the passage of the Social Security Act, workers' compensation laws, unemployment compensation, and other workplace health and safety laws. Today, all UMWA members have a voice on the job and most are able to secure favorable contracts that provide competitive wages, health care and pension benefits, holiday and vacation pay, and overtime pay after eight hours.

All UMWA leaders are elected directly from the membership and by the membership. Officers and members of the Executive Board are elected every five years, while officers of local unions are elected every three years. In addition, local unions elect delegates who vote on union dues and resolutions to make changes to the UMWA Constitution.

Since its founding, the UMWA has been a leader in health and safety advances and consistently advocates for improved safety conditions on the job. The UMWA Health and Safety Department monitors the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration to ensure that they are implementing effective safety and health rules and regulations. The Health and Safety Department also trains union members to act as workplace safety representatives. These individuals raise awareness about health and safety issues in the workplace and address workers' concerns.