The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has occupied an unquestioned position of leadership in the history of American labor. The UMWA officially got its start in Columbus, Ohio in 1890. The Knights of Labor Trade Assembly No. 135 and the National Progressive Union of Miners and Mine Laborers merged to form the UMWA. This merger adopted by the delegates of the first UMWA convention board barred discrimination of race, religion or national origin. At a time when racism and ethnic discrimination were rampant, the founding fathers of the UMWA recognized the need to help stop such discrimination. The founding fathers also encouraged their fellow miners to obtain a fair share of the wealth they created that was fully compatible with the dangers of their calling, starting the battle for increased pay and better working conditions. .
To have a successful union, the UMWA needed strong leadership. Among the great leaders of the UMWA were John L. Lewis, Phil Murray, Bill Green, William B. Wilson, John Mitchell and Mother Jones. It is these exceptional leaders that struggled to achieve what now may seem common-place to most work environments. An eight hour work day, health care, retirement and pension plans, and a safer work environment are just a few of the union's goals. Miners were at risk from explosions, collapsed support beams and undetectable fumes and gases. To achieve these goals the UMWA looked to John L. Lewis a noteworthy leader of the UMWA. He became President of the union in 1920 and accomplished most of the unions' goals during his time as President. Lewis helped to establish a health and welfare fund assuring a pension of $100 per month to all miners over 62. During Lewis's time as President of the UMWA he also helped to establish the Committee for Industrial Organization and became President for a period of time as well. Once becoming a member of the CIO, the UMWA was expelled from the AFL.