United Mine Workers Association (UMWA) members are in Washington this week urging Congress to preserve pensions of 87,000 retired miners. They hope to garner support for the American Miners Pension Act, sponsored by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V., and Rep. David McKinley, R-W.V. In a union update, UMWA President Cecil Roberts urged members to call upon their representatives to co-sponsor the act. “And if you have already called and they are still not on the bill, then call them again,” Roberts said. “We need to build as much support as possible to preserve your pension.” The Senate and House bills (SB 1911 and HR 3913) seek to amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to transfer funds to the 1974 United Mine Workers of America Pension Plan. Presently, the bill is supported by 30 representatives and 10 senators.
Miners rallying to save pensions
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