UMWA Labor Day gathering finds union fighting federal cuts, revering retiring Roberts

UMWA Labor Day gathering: Union fights federal cuts, honors retiring Roberts

Cecil Roberts made his last Labor Day stand as United Mine Workers of America president leaning on history. “People have died to make the mines safer,” Roberts bellowed, captivating a crowd of 150-plus at John Slack Memorial Park in Boone County gathered for the UMWA’s 87th annual Labor Day celebration Mon., Sept. 1, 2025. Roberts, 78, who announced in March 2025 he would retire as UMWA International president in October 2025 after 30 years in w…

UMWA Labor Day gathering finds union fighting federal cuts, revering retiring Roberts

Cecil Roberts made his last Labor Day stand as United Mine Workers of America president leaning on history. “People have died to make the mines safer,” Roberts bellowed, captivating a crowd of 150-plus at John Slack Memorial Park in Boone County gathered for the UMWA’s 87th annual Labor Day celebration Mon., Sept. 1, 2025. Roberts, 78, who announced in March 2025 he would retire as UMWA International president in October 2025 after 30 years in w…

Retiring UMWA president Cecil Roberts tireless advocate for mine workers’ rights and safety

BOONE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – He’s a legend on the United Mine Workers of America front. Cecil Roberts has been with the organization for 53 years. Roberts announced he is stepping down in October as president after 30 years leading the labor group. He got to connect with so many at the UMWA Labor Day celebration in Racine.   “I’m here almost every year. And it’s always good to be here because you see people that helped get you elected to start with…