The United Mine Workers' strike against Pittston Coal Group Inc. entered its fourth month Wednesday after the union garnered support from its newest ally, United Farm Workers' President Cesar Chavez.
"Your struggle is our struggle," Chavez told more than 5,000 striking miners and supporters during a labor rally Tuesday. "And your victory is our victory and victory for every worker in this country."Chavez said the UMW's commitment to non-violence during the strike and the use of passive civil disobedience has captured the attention of organized labor.
"People know about it in the workplace, even on the West Coast," he said of the labor dispute that began April 5 and involves 1,900 UMW members in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky.
The public and all organized labor will be on the UMW's side as long as non-violent tactics persist, Chavez said.