Once the leader of the United Mine Workers, Sam Church has passed away at the age of 72.  He was the president of the struggling union from 1979 - 1982 and in that time he did what he could during a very difficult time:

“He was credited with ending the era of wildcat strikes, lobbying for improved mine-safety regulations and negotiating benefits for victims of black-lung disease. But he also negotiated a contract that was rejected by the membership in 1981. A 72-day strike followed. The ultimate settlement raised union pay above $100 a day, added dental insurance and extended pension rights to the widows of miners.”

Success and failures aside, the work of Mr. Church and his fellow union members was extremely important.   And in the words of Brent Garland (from his FaceBook profile) “As the labor movement continues to struggle with the question of how to strengthen unions and protect workers, the loss of Sam Church is a reminder of both the value of organization, and the problems that can follow even the best intentioned reformers.”

Read more about Mr. Church HERE

And in the spirit of his life’s work, please learn about the United Mine Workers of America are up today HERE