UNITED MINE WORKERS UNION: A labor union representing the interests of workers engaged in mineral extraction, especially coal. The United Mine Workers Union has been one of the more prominent unions involved in the labor union movement. It is also notable as being the first national industrial union established in the United States, when it was formed in 1890. Prior to that time all national unions were craft unions representing workers with specific skills or in specific occupations. The United Mine Workers Union representing all workers employed by mining companies regardless of skills or occupations. See also | labor union | industrial union | craft union | organized labor | minimum wage | strike | labor union movement | AFL-CIO |
