Interview with Chester Philpott, July 7, 1987

Interview Summary

Chester Philpott was a union miner who was involved in the roving pickets' movement in Harlan and Bell counties in Kentucky. According to Mr. Philpott, the roving pickets' movement resulted from an attempt by the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) to organize non-union miners in District 19. Mr. Philpott maintains that he knew nothing about sweetheart contracts that some local unions signed contract exempting small operators from paying the forty cents per ton royalty into the UMWA's health and retirement fund.

Philpott also discusses his activities as a field representative for the UMWA. He talks about helping resolve grievances between miners and operators, and about his role in organizing mines for the UMWA. Philpott remembers the murder of Joseph "Jock" Yablonski and the conviction of District 19 President Albert Pass for his part in the conspiracy.

Interview Keyword

Albert Pass Arnold Miller Brookside coal strike coal mechanization mine safety Roving Pickets Tony Boyle union organizing 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 Philpott, Chester Philpott, Chester--Interviews

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.