UMWA President Cecil Roberts
ONE OF THE Brotherhood’s closest friends, United Mine Workers of America’s international president, Cecil Roberts, received the prestigious “Courage and Leadership Award” from the American Friends of the Yitzhak Rabin Center (AFYRC) May 18 in Washington, D.C.
A sixth-generation coal miner, Roberts was elected to the UMWA’s top position in 1995, and in 2004 became the first international president in the history of his union to be elected by acclamation for three consecutive terms. Known for his dramatic and inspirational oratory, he is also a skilled negotiator who has led his members through many difficult challenges, including the historic 10-month Pittston Coal strike.
“Cecil has been a beacon of hope and strength not just for the Mine Workers but for all those who care about the rights of workers — especially their right to a safe workplace,” said Intl. Pres. Newton B. Jones. “He is certainly deserving of the Courage and Leadership Award, and we applaud him for this honor.”
The Yitzhak Rabin Center, located in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a museum named after the late prime minister and field general who was assassinated in 1995. It documents the development of Israel as a young democracy and chronicles the life of Rabin.
