United Mine Workers of America founded (1890)

The United Mine Workers of America was founded on January 25, 1890, in Columbus, Ohio, through the merger of the Knights of Labor Trade Assembly No. 135 and the National Progressive Miners Union. This consolidation aimed to resolve prior rivalries between labor factions and establish a unified organization for miners.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Prior to the founding, the Knights of Labor and the National Federation of Miners and Mine Laborers were so opposed to one another that they created problems for miners rather than solving key issues. The National Progressive Union of Miners and Mine Laborers was created by people who had been thrown out of the Knights of Labor for trying to belong to both parties at once, along with the National Federation. In December 1889, John McBride, president of the National Progressive Union, proposed a merger with the Knights of Labor to form a stronger union, leading to the 1890 founding.

Initial Purpose. The union was modeled after the American Federation of Labor. Its initial goals were to develop mine safety, improve workers' independence from mine owners, and provide collective bargaining power. The preamble stated the purpose was to educate mine workers to realize the necessity of unity of action and secure the just fruits of their toil.

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