United Mine Workers of America: UMWA Leadership

Daniel J. Kane, International Secretary-Treasurer and
Cecil E. Roberts, International President

Cecil E. Roberts, International President

The UMWA is led by one of the most dynamic labor leaders in North America, Cecil E. Roberts.

Roberts became International President in October, 1995, upon the election of former UMWA International President Richard L. Trumka to be Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO.

Elected twice by acclimation since then, Roberts has negotiated successive national agreements in the coal industry that have resulted in unprecedented pension increases, including a 20-and-out pension for laid off miners and a 30-and-out pension for all eligible miners.

Roberts was the union’s on-the-ground leader in the successful strike against the Pittston Company in 1990-91 that made clear the union’s determination to maintain promised health care benefits for retired coal miners and their widows. One eventual result of that strike was the passage of the Coal Act in 1992, codifying and establishing a funding mechanism to fulfill the nation’s promise of health care to retired coal miners and widows.

Roberts is in great demand as a speaker throughout North America and is regarded as perhaps the most motivational speaker in the labor movement today.

Daniel J. Kane, International Secretary-Treasurer

Dan Kane was elected to the office of International Secretary-Treasurer in 2004, and has overseen a massive overhaul of the union’s restructuring, including a complete overhaul and streamlining of the union’s financial structure.

Kane served as International Executive Board member from District 2 (Pennsylvania) for 19 years prior to becoming Secretary-Treasurer. He has extensive experience in negotiating contracts and is an eloquent advocate for political action by union members and their families.

International Executive Board:
International District Vice Presidents