Retiring UMWA President Cecil Roberts Reflects on a Coal Career
Mountain State Spotlight talked with retiring UMWA President Cecil Roberts about his life leading the nation's coal miners.
United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts is retiring later this week. In a two-hour interview, discussions covered growing up on Cabin Creek, going to Vietnam and coming home, the dangerous life of a miner, and the past and future of West Virginia's coalfield communities.
Our discussions were edited for length and clarity.
The interview is divided into two parts, with the second part to be published tomorrow.
Ward:
Thank you for doing this interview. Congratulations, Cecil, on your retirement. This is a big moment for you personally, a big moment for the United Mine Workers of America, for the labor movement.
Author's summary: Cecil Roberts reflects on his coal career as UMWA President.