What was the United Mine Workers union?

The United Mine Workers of America (UMW or UMWA) is a North American labor union best known for representing coal miners. Today, the Union also represents health care workers, truck drivers, manufacturing workers and public employees in the United States and Canada.

Who led the United Mine Workers union in the 1920s?

John L. Lewis
John L. Lewis, in full John Llewellyn Lewis, (born February 12, 1880, near Lucas, Iowa, U.S.—died June 11, 1969, Washington, D.C.), American labour leader who was president of the United Mine Workers of America (1920–60) and chief founder and first president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO; 1936–40).

Who founded the United Mine Workers?

William Bauchop Wilson
United Mine Workers/Founders

Why was the United Mine Workers of America founded?

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) formed in 1890 to fight for better pay and working conditions for the nation’s coal miners. In Colorado the union was most active in the early twentieth century, with thousands of members joining strikes in the southern coalfields of Fremont, Huerfano, and Las Animas Counties.

What was the outcome of the United Mine Workers strike in 1943?

The United Mine Workers went on strike in 1943, but its actions did not help the miners in the long-run. The federal government took control of the mines, and many Americans viewed the mineworkers as traitors, since they went on strike during a period of national crisis.

What president of the United Mine Workers led a successful strike?

After a successful coal miners’ strike in 1897, John Mitchell became president (1898–1908) and led the union through a period of rapid growth—despite determined opposition by mine operators. Workers staged another successful strike in 1902. By 1920 the UMWA had gained about 500,000 members.

What did the United Mine Workers of America accomplish?

Union goals included higher wages, reasonable hours, fair pay practices, safer conditions, and an end to child labor.

When was John L Lewis born?

February 12, 1880John L. Lewis / Date of birth
Lewis, in full John Llewellyn Lewis, (born February 12, 1880, near Lucas, Iowa, U.S.—died June 11, 1969, Washington, D.C.), American labour leader who was president of the United Mine Workers of America (1920–60) and chief founder and first president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO; 1936–40).

What was unique about the 1902 coal miners strike?

The victory in the anthracite coalfields breathed new life into the American labor movement. 55 It strengthened moderate labor leaders and progressive businessmen who championed negotiations as a way to labor peace. It enhanced the reputation of President Theodore Roosevelt.

How did Roosevelt end the 1902 coal strike?

Roosevelt attempted to persuade the union to end the strike with a promise that he would create a commission to study the causes of the strike and propose a solution, which Roosevelt promised to support with all of the authority of his office.

What is the United Mine Workers Union?

The UMW was founded in Columbus, Ohio, on January 25, 1890, with the merger of two old labor groups, the Knights of Labor Trade Assembly No. 135 and the National Progressive Miners Union.

What does UMW stand for in coal mining?

United Mine Workers. The United Mine Workers of America ( UMW or UMWA) is a North American labor union best known for representing coal miners. Today, the Union also represents health care workers, truck drivers, manufacturing workers and public employees in the United States and Canada.

What did the United Mine Workers do in the 1905 election?

The United Mine Workers ran candidate Frank Henry Sherman under the union banner in the 1905 Alberta general election. Sherman’s candidacy was driven to appeal to the significant population of miners working in the camps of southern Alberta.

What was the result of the UMWA strike of 1919?

The mine owners sued the local and national organizations of the United Mine Workers Union. The national UMWA was found not complicit, but the local was judged culpable of encouraging the rioters, and made to pay US$2.1 million. United Mine Workers coal strike of 1919 – November 1, 1919.