Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–May 1, 2017. Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on inclusion of permanent funding for coal miners’ health care in the congressional funding bill:
For thousands of coal miners who suffer from Black Lung, as my father did, this funding for health care is as important as a breath of fresh air.
The members of my union, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), dug the coal that powered this country for the last 150 years and created massive wealth for American industry. Our union members kept our part of the bargain while mining corporations used bankruptcy laws to break their promises to provide good health benefits and a secure retirement. For months, UMWA members and allies stormed Capitol Hill to demand action, and today we are grateful that Congress helped make it right. Congress has done the right thing by providing permanent funding for the care coal miners need.
President Trump has said he supports coal miners—and signing this deal will put those words into action.
Source: http://aflcio.org
