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CM Kim Wood with Min. Jennifer Sanders, UMWA Staff Shanna Peeks, and Rev. Sekina Hamlin (UCC Minister for Economic Justice), at Warrior Met Coal Miners Strike Rally in Bessemer ALThe United Mine Workers of America Strike from Warrior Met Coal continues in Alabama. After 19 months, contract resolution is still elusive; in the meantime, and with no end in sight, the miners and their families continue to struggle to make ends meet.
On August 17, 2022, the Southeast Conference hosted a meeting with Shanna Peeks, the Civil Human Rights Coordinator from the UMWA, and a miner who is one of the striking workers. The conversation was informative and helpful as we sought to understand more clearly the issues that led to the strike and the gap, and actions that are hindering agreement on a new contract. A video link will be available for those who were unable to attend but wish to view that event.
On Wednesday, October 26th, Conference Minister Kim Wood and local church pastors Paul Eknes-Tucker and Jennifer Sanders joined UCC Economic Justice Minister Rev. Sekinah Hamlin at a UMWA Rally near Birmingham, Alabama. Rev. Wood offered the opening prayer, and Rev. Eknes-Tucker closed the gathering in prayer. We were able to meet several miners and family members to hear more about what they are experiencing during this trying time and to reiterate our commitment to stand with them for justice and equity.
One way we have been invited to help is to donate Visa gift cards to help support the families. There is also a need for infant formula, diapers, and toiletries. If you would like to help care for these families as they continue to work, hope, and pray for negotiations to provide a just agreement, we invite you to send gift cards or financial donations to the Southeast Conference, either by mail at P.O. Box 1950, Decatur GA. 30031-1950, or by using our donation button on the website at SECUCC.org. Please clearly mark that your gifts are for the Warrior Met Strike.
And please, pray for the miners, their families, the UMWA leadership, and the Warrior Met Coal Board and Executives that this strike might come to a speedy and compassionate resolution.
