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UMWA: Safety in the
Workplace
The UMWA, or United Mine Workers of America,
is a diverse union of workers, including coal miners, clean coal technicians,
health care workers, truck drivers and school board employees. As the name implies, these union workers are
involved with mining industries. As most
Americans already know, mining is a dangerous job. Since the UMWA’s inception, it has been
fighting for worker’s rights and benefits, and most importantly safe
workplaces. The union is part of the
AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations)
labor giant, and was in fact, a huge influence on its creation.
In order to
ensure that the workers have a secure workplace, the UMWA has fashioned the
Health and Safety Department. Their sole
responsibility is to keep workers healthy and safe while on the job. This department closely monitors two
important organizations in its pursuit of worker wellbeing: the Occupational Health and Safety
Administration and the Mine Safety and Health Administration. The UMWA Health and Safety Department ensures
that government administration is being correctly implanted. By observing the current rules and
regulations, the UMWA is able to successfully prevent disastrous injuries on
the job.
One of the
primary issues plaguing the UMWA today is protection against the disability
known as “black lung.” Black lung
results from overexposure to high levels of toxic debris and ‘noise’ that can
be present in some mining situations.
Over 1,500 people die each year from the disease; a disease that should
be able to be prevented. Currently, the
policy regarding Black Lung Disability is being reformed by the union, and
hopefully the re-examined policy will be more suitable for today’s mine
workers. Nevertheless, the Health and Safety department remains dedicated to
protecting union and non-union workers from the consequences of this disease.
To find out
what the UMWA is doing about the current health and safety of its workers,
visit their homepage. You can also find a local UMWA union near you
using Unions.org Local Union Search Page.
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