The union's president said climate change is real, but thinks coal miners won't be taken care of in progressives' effort to address it.
The head of the United Mine Workers of America doesn’t trust Democrats’ Green New Deal to deliver for coal miners.
Roberts pointed to the constant political fights his union has waged to preserve pensions and retiree health benefits over the last two decades, as coal companies have tried to shed their obligations through bankruptcy proceedings. The UMWA’s pension plan is on track to become insolvent within just a few years, and Congress has done nothing so far to make sure miners don’t end up with pennies on the dollar.
There are different versions of such a plan, though all promise to create good-paying jobs and look after workers in industries hurt in the transition. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , one of the most vocal proponents of a Green New Deal, has spoken often about how a climate package should fully fund the miners’ endangered pension plan. Presidential hopeful Sen.
“I understand somehow, magically, if certain people get elected president, they’re going to make those union jobs, and they’re going to require them to pay what you get make now,” Roberts said. “I don’t believe that. I just can’t make that work in my mind.” Roberts made clear that he believes in climate change ― “it’s real, it needs to be dealt with” ― but argued that further curbing coal use in the U.S. would do little when coal-fired power plants continue to open in other countries.
“Everybody wants to get their pictures taken with a coal miner [when they’re] running for office,” Roberts said. “But they don’t want anything to do with us once they get into office.”
México Últimas Noticias, México Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Former United Auto Workers union official pleads guilty to taking kickbacksAs leaders with the United Auto Workers union negotiate a new contract this week with General Motors executives, a former union negotiator admitted in court to receiving at least $1.5 million in kickbacks from union vendors.
Leer más »
39-Year-Old Runner Thought Knee Pain Was a Muscle Tear—But It Was Actually Bone CancerAngela Sullivan still vows to run Badwater one day: “I won’t stop until I run again, even if it’s on my deathbed.”
Leer más »
The United States and China agree to meet in Washington as trade war rages onThe United States and China have agreed to return to the negotiating table in Washington to discuss trade. It will be the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides since the trade war's rapid escalation in recent weeks.
Leer más »
North Korea tells United Nations to cut international aid staff: letterNorth Korea has told the United Nations to cut the number of international staff...
Leer más »
Facebook launches dating service in United StatesFacebook Inc is launching its dating services in the United States, the social n...
Leer más »
Canopy Growth CEO on marijuana legalization in the United StatesMark Zekulin, CEO of Canopy Growth, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the marijuana market as Congress returns from August recess with little progress on cannabis regulation. Guest Host Eric Cantor, vice chair and managing director at Moelis & Co. and former congressman from Virginia, joins the conversation.
Leer más »