The West Virginia coal wars-fought between the United Mine Workers and coal operators, from 1912 to 1922 -there have been books and films about the conflict, it is little remembered. Kevin Corley’s novel, Matewan Blood & Coal, seeks to bridge the gap
The history of labor in the region gets shouted down by corporations.
From technology industry programmers to coal miners, workers must mobilize through their unions to establish a unified labor movement that collectively demands a voice in shaping the future of our workplaces, economies and future.
Three labor disputes along the same highway in Alabama demonstrate the challenges and hopes facing unions in the Deep South.
Labor militants ousted entrenched leadership in the United Mine Workers in 1972, an historic breakthrough that led to setbacks and successes.
NLRB demand for UMWA to pay Warrior Met Coal strike costs “outrageous,” threatens American workers’ right to strike
Workers started the unfair labor practice strike over claims of bad faith bargaining by Warrior Met Coal over a new union contract. The strike has cost the company an estimated $6.9 million.
Unlike most of the other struggles of this era, this strike rested on the firm backbone of the women of the mining families and communities who continued the fight when the men were beaten and jailed and the strike near defeat.
This year, find inspiration in the bravery and sacrifice of generation after generation of workers who had nothing left to give — but still gave everything they had.
Spread the word