The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) is a labor union representing coal miners and related energy and minerals workers in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1890, the UMWA organizes workers, negotiates collective bargaining agreements, and advocates for workplace safety, health care, pensions, and economic support for mining communities.
Typically pursues policies supporting collective bargaining and labor rights, stronger mine and workplace safety enforcement (including MSHA-related rules), health care and pension protections (including Black Lung benefits), job preservation for coal communities, economic redevelopment for mining regions, and pro-worker trade and energy policies.
Primarily funded by member dues and assessments, supplemented by investment income, union-run program fees, and strike or benefit funds.
Affiliated with the AFL-CIO and a nationwide network of UMWA local unions; notable historical and recent leaders include John L. Lewis and Cecil E. Roberts.
Labor union
