The United Mine Workers of America Strike of 1946

About

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Strike of 1946 was a pivotal event in labor history, marking significant improvements in miners' benefits and working conditions. Led by John L. Lewis, the strike involved over 400,000 miners across the U.S., including those in Colorado, where coal production halted in Routt County[2][3]. The strike aimed to secure better healthcare and retirement benefits, addressing issues like black lung disease, which was prevalent among miners[3]. The strike ended with the Krug-Lewis Agreement, signed in the White House, creating the UMWA Health and Welfare Funds. This agreement ensured cradle-to-grave healthcare and retirement security for miners and their families[3]. The strike was part of a broader wave of labor disputes in 1946, reflecting workers' demands for improved conditions and wages across various industries[5]. The agreement set a precedent for future labor negotiations, emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining and government intervention in labor disputes[3][5].