Interview with Joseph A. Scopa, June 16, 1987

Interview Summary

Joseph Scopa talks about his activities in both the Roving Pickets and the Miners for Democracy movements. He states that the movement began as a result of "sweetheart deals" between union field representatives and local coal operators in Harlan and Bell counties. Under the terms of the contracts some operators were exempted from paying certain duties and royalties to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). He describes how the Roving Pickets would meet at a predetermined location, usually the miners' hospital or the union hall, and then decide what mines in Harlan and Bell counties they would attempt to shut down.

Scopa believes that the UMWA "sold [the Roving Pickets] out." He recalls that District 19 officials, among them President Albert Pass, told the pickets that they would support them in their attempt to close mines in Harlan and Bell Counties. When the pickets began closing mines around the area, however, District 19 officials began broadcasting messages on several local radio stations proclaiming that the pickets were not associated with the UMWA. Scopa remembers that the Roving Pickets felt betrayed by the union many of them had worked hard to establish.

Scopa describes his later involvement with the Miners for Democracy movement in the early 1970s. He maintains that this revolt by the rank-and-file within the union resulted because miners wanted the right to elect leaders of local unions. Previously field representatives and other district officials were appointed by national leaders. Scopa believes that electing leaders would make them more accountable to the rank-and-file.

Interview Keyword

Albert Pass Bell County Brookside coal mine Harlan County Miners for Democracy Roving Pickets strikes United Mine Workers of America

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Coal miners Coal mines and mining Coal mines and mining--Appalachian Region Coal mines and mining--Kentucky--History Scopa, Joseph A. Scopa, Joseph A.--Interviews

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