BOONE COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – On this Labor Day, the United Mine Workers of America gathered at John Stack Memorial Park in Racine to stand in solidarity with all their trade unionists.
Rooted in the labor movement of the 19th century, the holiday honors American Workers’ social and economic achievements.
“You see a union man just shake his hand and say, ‘Thank you’ because that’s why. People wouldn’t pay you more if somebody hadn’t pushed them to do that,” said James ‘Wildman’ Hudson, of the Local 80 Insulators. “Both of my grandfathers were retired coal miners. And the UMWA has a place in my heart.”
This is a time to honor those who came before them.
“Also, to remind everybody there’s work still to be done out there,” UMWA International District 17 Vice President Brian Lacy said. “Especially in workplace safety, fighting for better wages, dignity and recognition on the job.”
Working in the coal mines for 47 years, a union man says coming together with other coal miners on the 87th UMWA Labor Day event meant a lot.
“It feels good — running into some of my old friends and maybe running into Cecil (Rogers) for the last time,” said Retired Coal Miner Arnold Seagraves. “And it feels good being a union man all my life.”
According to Lacy, the UMWA has always been at the forefront of tougher laws and holding agencies that are supposed to look out for miners accountable. He says they’re proud of that work.
“I’d say for any young person, it’s a good career, it’s a good-paying job. I would recommend it, the District 17 vice president said. “Happy Labor Day to everybody out there, the working class, and everybody: enjoy yourself.”
