Service & Solidarity Spotlight: West Virginia Mine Wars Museum Staff Join UMWA

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Staff at the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum have been sworn in as members of Mine Workers (UMWA) Local 1440.

The museum is the largest exhibition in the United States about a series of bloody clashes in the early 20th century between coal companies and miners seeking fair working conditions. Local 1440’s union hall is just blocks from the museum itself (which was previously owned by the union) and the site of a historic shootout during the Mine Wars. These newly minted members will be part of UMWA District 17, which has a powerful legacy of militant labor history.

“We are honored and excited to represent the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum staff as members of the United Mine Workers of America,” said UMWA International President Brian Sanson. “These workers protect and share the story of sacrifice, solidarity, and courage that defines our union. We are proud to stand with them, to represent them, and to welcome them home to the UMWA family.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/14/2026 - 09:55

We Are Stronger Together!: In the States Roundup

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X.

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

‼️ STRIKE ALERT ‼️

Solano County workers represented by @seiu1021, @IFPTE21, IUOE Local 39 and @UAPD are leading a HISTORIC 2-day strike starting TOMORROW!

Workers are standing up against chronic understaffing and rising healthcare costs so they can deliver essential public…

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) January 13, 2026

Illinois AFL-CIO:

In just the last year, 12 Champaign residents have graduated from the Climate Works pre-apprenticeship program and we are excited to welcome even more.

Learn how this program is changing lives:https://t.co/XqM7kjNA9Q pic.twitter.com/7Fl2HEpTy5

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 7, 2026

Maine AFL-CIO:

NMMC nurses in Fort Kent won their recertification election despite union busters using every tool they had to decertify their union. The same day MMC nurses in Portland won a new contract that protects patient safety! WHEN WE FIGHT WE WIN!!! pic.twitter.com/Acyf2hJwnU

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 9, 2026

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Greywater recycling is a tool to fight climate change and build resilient infrastructure – our unions have the skills and workers to get projects done.

We are committed to finding the right solutions for workers, communities and our environment.@ClimateJobsMA @Mass_BTU #mapoli pic.twitter.com/FwAgNlXtCd

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 13, 2026

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

They say elephants never forget. Irony aside, neither do we. pic.twitter.com/CjmxSVqjUy

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

We are stronger together! The Minnesota AFL-CIO staff are in solidarity today with all the @EducationMN Locals still fighting for a fair contract. #UnitedWeWin #NewYearNoContract pic.twitter.com/zRGuUJ9fTp

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 8, 2026

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Missourians cannot afford to have health insurance premiums go through the roof. We need action NOW to lower costs & improve care. 

Extending the ACA to prevent price hikes is a good first step. The President’s threat to veto this bipartisan bill makes no sense. What’s his plan? https://t.co/Pq9TJC2ZNu

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 13, 2026

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Thank you, Assemblymember @Carter4NV, for taking the time to speak with our retirees and for recognizing their lifelong dedication!

We appreciate your leadership and the work the Legislature has done to support Nevada’s retirees. pic.twitter.com/RFnAwudh9y

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

New York State AFL-CIO:

Largest nurses strike in NYC history! @nynurses standing up and fighting for a fair contract across the city against greedy CEOs. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/lPcd0X4WQ9

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Solidarity with the family and friends of Renee Nicole Good and the people of Minnesota as they grieve and resist. #1u @BraxtonWinston pic.twitter.com/IEHJ7mT00U

— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 9, 2026

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to the Rising Star Coffee workers for forming their #union with @OPEIU . Welcome to the @aflcio labor movement. pic.twitter.com/X7N487hwvm

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 9, 2026

Oregon AFL-CIO:

On Saturday, working class Oregonians joined @AFTOregon and @AFTunion for a vigil as part of a weekend packed with actions and mobilizations in Oregon and across the nation after immigration officials shot community members in Minneapolis and Portland last week.

We are standing… pic.twitter.com/ORrANsP5zS

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

Last night, @AlleghenyLabor elected John Galuska as President.

A leader in @afscmecouncil13, Galuska is a 38-year trade unionist with former membership in the @Teamsters & @LaborersUnion. We look forward to working with John, to strengthen our unions & defend workers’ rights. pic.twitter.com/bw8ID5mfkC

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 9, 2026

Texas AFL-CIO:

NEW: U.S. Representative @AdelitaForAZ is joining us at this year’s COPE Convention!

Join us in Georgetown on Jan. 24-25 to hear from Rep. Grijalva and other leaders about how workers can win together in our fight against billionaires.

Details: https://t.co/QwLeNaMr2E pic.twitter.com/nQxoqJtrqX

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 13, 2026

Virginia AFL-CIO:

The labor movement stands with all who defend civil rights and human dignity. We condemn the killing of an innocent bystander by an ICE agent. 

Full Statement: https://t.co/lIHZap3MFn

— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 8, 2026

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

President Sims drops our top 6 pro-worker priorities for the 60 day legislative session. Now can she do it in 60 seconds? #WaLeg pic.twitter.com/HRs8VUEfot

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 12, 2026

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/13/2026 - 13:40