<P> The United Mine Workers of America ( UMW or UMWA ) is a North American labor union best known for representing coal miners . Today , the Union also represents health care workers , truck drivers , manufacturing workers and public employees in the United States and Canada . Although its main focus has always been on workers and their rights , the UMW of today also advocates for better roads , schools , and universal health care . By 2014 , coal mining had largely shifted to open pit mines in Wyoming , and there were only 60,000 active coal miners . The UMW was left with 35,000 members , of whom 20,000 were coal miners , chiefly in underground mines in Kentucky and West Virginia . However it was responsible for pensions and medical benefits for 40,000 retired miners , and for 50,000 spouses and dependents . </P>
<P> The United Mine Workers of America ( UMW or UMWA ) is a North American labor union best known for representing coal miners . Today , the Union also represents health care workers , truck drivers , manufacturing workers and public employees in the United States and Canada . Although its main focus has always been on workers and their rights , the UMW of today also advocates for better roads , schools , and universal health care . By 2014 , coal mining had largely shifted to open pit mines in Wyoming , and there were only 60,000 active coal miners . The UMW was left with 35,000 members , of whom 20,000 were coal miners , chiefly in underground mines in Kentucky and West Virginia . However it was responsible for pensions and medical benefits for 40,000 retired miners , and for 50,000 spouses and dependents . </P>
what is the united mine workers of america
what is the united mine workers of america
a North American labor union
a North American labor union