The United Mine Workers rejoins the American Federation of Labor.

The United Mine Workers of America (UMW or UMWA) is a historically significant North American labor union, renowned for its foundational role in representing coal miners. While its roots are deeply embedded in the mining industry, the UMW has strategically evolved its scope. Today, its diverse membership encompasses not only coal miners but also dedicated health care workers, essential truck drivers, skilled manufacturing workers, and diligent public employees across both the United States and Canada. This diversification reflects the changing landscape of North American industry and the union's adaptability.

Beyond its core focus on immediate workplace issues and advocating for workers' rights, the modern UMW champions a broader social justice agenda. The union actively advocates for critical societal improvements, including the development of better roads, enhanced educational facilities, and the establishment of universal health care, demonstrating a commitment to the welfare of communities beyond its direct membership.

The coal mining industry underwent significant transformation by 2014, with a substantial shift in production largely moving to more efficient open-pit mines, particularly in states like Wyoming. This mechanization and change in mining methods contributed to a notable decline in the active coal miner workforce, which stood at approximately 60,000. Consequently, the UMW's active membership also saw a reduction to 35,000 members. Of these, 20,000 were still actively engaged as coal miners, predominantly in underground operations located in Kentucky and West Virginia, areas known for their rich coal seams and historical mining communities. Despite the decrease in active members, the UMW continued to bear substantial responsibilities, including managing pensions and providing vital medical benefits for an impressive 40,000 retired miners, along with an additional 50,000 spouses and dependents, highlighting the union's enduring commitment to its members' lifelong well-being.

Founding and Early Principles of the UMW

The United Mine Workers of America was formally established in Columbus, Ohio, on January 25, 1890. This significant event marked the merger of two formidable labor organizations that had previously sought to improve conditions for miners: the Knights of Labor Trade Assembly No. 135 and the National Progressive Miners Union. Adopting a structural model similar to that of the nascent American Federation of Labor (AFL), the union was initially conceived with a clear, three-pronged mission designed to address the pressing issues faced by miners of the era:

The Era of John L. Lewis and Industrial Unionism

Growth During the Great Depression

The landscape of American labor unionism was dramatically altered following the passage of the National Recovery Act (NRA) in 1933, a pivotal piece of legislation enacted during the depths of the Great Depression. The NRA, particularly Section 7(a), granted workers the right to organize and bargain collectively, providing a significant boost to unionization efforts. Capitalizing on this newfound legal framework, organizers from the United Mine Workers of America fanned out across the United States, embarking on a widespread campaign to unionize all coal miners into robust labor organizations.

This period of explosive growth was largely driven by the powerful and often controversial leadership of John L. Lewis, who served as the UMW president from 1920 to 1960. Lewis was a towering figure in American labor, known for his eloquent speeches, shrewd negotiating tactics, and unwavering determination to improve the lives of industrial workers.

The Birth of the CIO and Industrial Expansion

Under Lewis's assertive guidance, the UMW made a monumental decision to break away from the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The AFL traditionally focused on organizing skilled workers along craft lines (e.g., plumbers, carpenters), which left the vast majority of unskilled and semi-skilled workers in mass production industries largely unrepresented. Believing that all workers within an industry should be organized together, regardless of their specific trade, Lewis spearheaded the formation of a new federation: the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).

The CIO championed the concept of "industrial unionism," which was revolutionary at the time. Its organizers, many of whom came directly from the UMW's ranks, rapidly expanded their reach beyond coal mining, successfully organizing workers in major industries that had previously been resistant to unionization, including automobiles (e.g., the United Auto Workers), steel, electrical equipment, rubber, paint, and chemical sectors. This expansion often involved fierce and often violent battles with both corporations and, at times, with the more conservative AFL.

Political Influence and Subsequent Isolation

During its peak influence, the UMW's membership surged to an impressive 800,000, making it one of the largest and most powerful unions in the nation. This substantial membership base positioned the UMW as a critical element within the New Deal Coalition, providing significant support for Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt's progressive policies aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

However, John L. Lewis's fiercely independent and often confrontational style eventually led to ruptures. In 1940, Lewis famously broke with President Roosevelt, driven by disagreements over foreign policy and labor's political direction. He subsequently withdrew the UMW from the CIO, a move that increasingly isolated the union within the broader, burgeoning labor movement. During World War II, the UMW was involved in a series of major strikes and threatened walkouts, particularly over wages and working conditions. These actions, occurring during a period of national unity and wartime production, angered public opinion and provided ammunition for pro-business opponents who sought to curb union power.

Post-War Challenges and Enduring Commitment

Following World War II, the United Mine Workers of America faced an increasingly challenging environment. The industry underwent significant technological transformation, including widespread mechanization of underground mining and a greater reliance on surface mining techniques like open-pit and strip mining, particularly in the Western United States. These changes, coupled with a general decline in coal production in the traditional Eastern mining regions, contributed to a shrinking membership base. Despite these formidable challenges and the ongoing reduction in active miners, the UMW steadfastly concentrated its efforts on securing substantial increases in wages, expanding access to comprehensive medical services, and enhancing retirement benefits for its dedicated, albeit shrinking, membership. This unwavering commitment to the welfare of its members, both active and retired, has remained a cornerstone of the UMW's mission, demonstrating its enduring legacy as a powerful advocate for miners and their families.

Frequently Asked Questions About the United Mine Workers of America

What is the United Mine Workers of America (UMW)?
The United Mine Workers of America (UMW or UMWA) is a historic North American labor union, originally representing coal miners, but which has evolved to include workers across various sectors in the United States and Canada.
When and where was the UMW founded?
The UMW was established on January 25, 1890, in Columbus, Ohio, through the merger of two earlier labor organizations: the Knights of Labor Trade Assembly No. 135 and the National Progressive Miners Union.
What were the primary goals of the UMW at its inception?
Upon its founding, the UMW aimed to address three critical areas for miners: improving mine safety, enhancing workers' independence from the control of mine owners and company stores, and empowering miners with collective bargaining capabilities.
How did the UMW expand its influence during the Great Depression?
Following the National Recovery Act in 1933, UMW organizers, under the leadership of John L. Lewis, significantly expanded their efforts to unionize all coal miners across the United States, which contributed to substantial growth in membership.
Who was John L. Lewis and what was his impact on the UMW?
John L. Lewis was a powerful and influential leader of the UMW who played a pivotal role in American labor history. He led the union during its peak growth, guided its break from the AFL to form the CIO, and championed industrial unionism, though his later independent stances led to the UMW's isolation.
What is the difference between the AFL and CIO, and why did the UMW form the CIO?
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) traditionally organized skilled workers along craft lines, while the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), co-founded by the UMW, advocated for industrial unionism, organizing all workers within a given industry regardless of their specific trade. The UMW formed the CIO to better organize the vast number of unskilled and semi-skilled workers in mass production industries who were largely ignored by the AFL.
What challenges did the UMW face after World War II?
After World War II, the UMW contended with a shrinking membership due to technological advancements in mining and the decline of Eastern mines. Despite this, the union maintained its focus on securing strong wages, comprehensive medical services, and robust retirement benefits for its members.
What is the current scope of the UMW's membership and advocacy?
While still representing coal miners, the UMW today also includes healthcare workers, truck drivers, manufacturing workers, and public employees in the U.S. and Canada. Beyond worker rights, the union actively advocates for broader social issues such as improved roads, better schools, and universal health care.