Official WVSDEC Action
BlogOfficial WVSDEC Action
West Virginia Democratic Executive Committee
Resolution in Support of Protecting and Preserving the
Pensions and Healthcare for UMWA Plan Beneficiaries
WHEREAS, the bankruptcy of Murray Energy Coal Company coupled with the bankruptcy of most other smaller coal companies will place the UMWA pension fund in jeopardy of becoming insolvent in 2020, which in turn could result in 87,000 coal miners and surviving spouses losing their hard-earned pensions as well as healthcare benefits: and
WHEREAS, the UMWA pension plan dates to a 1946 sacred promise made to miners and their spouses by President Harry Truman and the UMWA; and
WHEREAS, any loss or reduction of benefits would cause irreparable harm to the beneficiaries and deal a devastating blow to the economy of the state of West Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress should pass the bipartisan legislation being introduced by Senator Joe Manchin which would address and solve the critical issues that confront pension and healthcare funds by fulfilling the 1946 promise to miners and their families; and
WHEREAS, coal miners deserve to have their pensions protected as coal has served as the backbone of the United States energy supply for 200 years, which has allowed the United States economy to flourish with low-cost energy for industry, business and citizens alike; and
WHEREAS, coal miners work in one of the most dangerous environments in industry, and their bravery and sacrifice should not be discounted by those who choose to ignore this pension crisis; and
WHEREAS, the West Virginia Democratic Executive Committee calls upon every elected official in West Virginia to take a public stance in support of preserving the UMWA pension fund; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the West Virginia Democratic Executive Committee hereby decrees that the WVSDP supports legislation that would preserve and protect the benefits of retired miners, and the WVSDP hereby urges others to adopt a resolution in support of the same, and be it further resolved that this WVSDP praises Senator Joe Manchin for his undying effort to work to pass this legislation and to publicize the importance of the urgent need to protect our coal miners pension and healthcare funds.