IAM Local 2003 joined thousands of union members rallying in support of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Local 2245, who have been engaged in a long, bitter strike at Warrior Met Coal in Brookwood, AL since April 1, 2021.
Local 2003 members brought truckloads of goods for the UMWA members and their families, along with a cash donation to go towards the UMWA Local 2245 food and necessities funds.
“You were there for us during our strike in 2014,” said IAM Local 2003 President Anthony Holton during the UMAW Local 2245 rally. “We are here for you. Be strong and keep fighting.”
UMWA Local 2245 members have sacrificed a lot over the years, including massive pay cuts, insurance premium increases and more, to save a company that was supposedly on a rapid financial decline. When they got to the table this year, instead of rewarding the sacrifices and work of the miners, Warrior Met is seeking even further sacrifices from them.
“Our members are the reason Warrior Met even exists today,” said UMWA President Cecil E. Roberts. “They made the sacrifices to bring this company out of the bankruptcy of Walter Energy in 2016. These productive, professional miners at Warrior Met mined the coal that meant the company could become successful again, and Warrior Met has capitalized on their hard work, earning tens of millions in profits for their Wall Street owners.”
“My thanks go out to all the volunteers who donated goods, money and their time,” said IAM District 75 Directing Business Representative Steve Jordan. “Our members answered the call to support our UMWA brothers and sisters on the picket line at Warrior Met, and they delivered.”
“I am proud of these members,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Rickey Wallace. “They’re helping to hold the line for workers demanding respect on the job, which includes fair wages and benefits. My thanks go out to all involved in this show of solidarity.”
READ: Warrior Met Coal’s strike practices could bring National Labor Relations Board complaint AL.com
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