Commenting on the recent announcement by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) regarding the closure of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) offices, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts expressed concern.
“The UMWA is very troubled by the announced closures of dozens of MSHA offices around the nation,” Roberts said. He emphasized the importance of MSHA inspectors and administrative staff in ensuring miners’ safety and their return home after each shift.
Roberts noted uncertainty about whether all offices would close or if employees would be relocated. “We have not heard of any reductions in force at MSHA as of yet, although if recent events elsewhere in the government are any guide that is to be expected, unfortunately,” he said.
Highlighting worker safety, Roberts mentioned three key factors: law-abiding employers, government enforcement, and empowered workforces through unions. “We will continue to do all we can to keep miners safe where we represent the workforce,” he affirmed.
He warned against leaving workers’ safety solely to employers, citing historical risks in the mining industry. “History has shown us time and time again that doing so is a recipe for disaster,” Roberts remarked.
Roberts reminded that before 1969, there were no laws protecting miners at work, leading to thousands of deaths annually. He urged continued enforcement of current laws to prevent returning to those unsafe conditions.
“We urge the administration to keep this in mind and keep worker safety as its top priority moving forward,” Roberts concluded.
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