Latest news with #CecilE.Roberts
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More NIOSH layoffs reported Friday evening
MORGANTOWN, (WBOY) — On Friday 12 News brought you the story on how several NIOSH employees were able to return to work in Morgantown, though their stay could not be guaranteed. According to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) however, the layoffs are continuing. Suspect from Mannington standoff arrested in Monongah UMWA International President Cecil Roberts released a statement on Saturday morning in response to more reported NIOSH layoffs that were announced Friday evening. The statement reads as follows: What happened at NIOSH last night is nothing short of shameful. Telling hardworking, dedicated employees that they no longer have a job at 6:30 on a Friday night — after the workday is done and with no forewarning — is cowardly, heartless, and utterly unacceptable. Let me be clear: this is not just an attack on jobs. This is an attack on the very foundation of worker safety in the United States of America. The dismantling of the Respiratory Disease Division at NIOSH is not just a bureaucratic shuffle. It is the elimination of our nation's leading defense against black lung disease and other respiratory illnesses that afflict miners and workers across this country. This division is responsible for developing life-saving coal dust and silica monitors. It runs the miner X-ray surveillance program. It oversees MSHA's Part 90 program — a program that literally exists to save the lungs and lives of American coal miners. Now, with the stroke of a pen and the cowardice of an evening layoff notice, those protections are being stripped away. Who is going to monitor dust levels in our mines? Who will ensure the next generation of miners doesn't end up with the same black lungs as their fathers and grandfathers? The United Mine Workers of America will not stand by silently while decades of progress are gutted overnight. This isn't just detrimental — it's catastrophic. It's detrimental to coal miners. Detrimental to American workers. Detrimental to American families. The UMWA's number one focus has always been, and always will be, the health and safety of our members. We will fight tooth and nail to ensure these programs are restored, these protections are preserved, and that our nation never forgets the sacrifices miners make to power this country.' UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts 12 News reached out to the UMWA for more information, specifically is those at the Morgantown location were involved. In response, the UMWA said, 'From our understanding every employee except for a few in Atlanta and DC are laid off. But we are not subject matter experts. It's all hearsay.' Cathy Tinney-Zara, a union representative for AFGE Local 3430 with NIOSH in Morgantown told 12 News that she began receiving word of the layoffs Friday evening, and that those who received them were put on administrative leave effective immediately. She had not received any official word to ignore any RIF letters that were sent out on May 1 and 2. As of right now, those who received RIFs in April will have their last day on June 2, while those who received them on Friday will have their last day July 2, according to Tinney-Zara. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Federal job cuts hit NIOSH hard in Morgantown, leaving workers vulnerable — what to do if you're affected
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is laying off hundreds of workers. Though details are limited, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) President Cecil E. Roberts said in a recent statement, 'NIOSH began laying off hundreds of workers who are engaged in research and the improvement of products and practices that literally save the lives of coal miners every day.' I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Roberts added that NIOSH announced 'significant downsizing' of offices in Morgantown, West Virginia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The layoffs come amid a sweeping federal reorganization effort led by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as part of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Workforce Optimization Initiative. But what are the job cuts supposed to accomplish? According to an HHS statement, the "Make America Healthy Again" plan aims to reduce the federal health workforce by 20,000 employees overall — shrinking HHS from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time staff. It will also consolidate 28 HHS divisions into 15 new ones, while regional offices will be reduced from 10 to just 5. As part of the plan, NIOSH is being folded into a new agency called the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), alongside the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and other offices. HHS says the changes will save taxpayers $1.8 billion per year and improve efficiency by reducing 'redundant units.' However, critics argue that the cost savings come at the expense of public and workplace safety — especially in places like Morgantown, where NIOSH plays a key role in researching coal worker health, respiratory disease and workplace hazards. 'I do not think that these actions are being done in a coordinated way to hurt the American coal industry and those who work in it. But that is the effect,' Roberts said in the release. 'Miners have and can continue to produce the materials to power American homes, produce American steel and so many other products our society uses every day.' Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP Layoffs at NIOSH threaten not only the job security of hundreds of employees, but also the health and safety of coal miners and other high-risk workers who rely on the agency's research. Morgantown's facility employed around 500 workers, reported MetroNews. Its research informed safety regulations, protective equipment standards and disease prevention strategies across several industries. Roberts believes the downsizing could cripple progress in mine safety as the coal industry "relies on the research done there to improve its safety practices.' Sen. Shelley Moore Capito told 12 News in a statement that the cuts would harm 'vital health programs,' adding that 'any cuts that impact [coal workers'] health monitoring need to be restored immediately.' In addition to the safety concerns, the economic impact could be significant for Morgantown and surrounding areas. Losing hundreds of high-paying federal jobs affects not just those laid off, but also local businesses that depend on NIOSH employees as customers. From diners and daycare centers to home service providers, many small businesses could feel the ripple effects of the layoffs. Here are a few ways locals can manage the disruption: Know your rights. If you're injured or face exposure to hazardous conditions, report it immediately to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Employers must still comply with its standards. Connect with state and nonprofit resources. West Virginia's Department of Health, WorkForce West Virginia, the PA Workforce Development Association and organizations like the Appalachian Citizens' Law Center may be able to offer guidance, legal help or job retraining opportunities. Protect your health on the job. With fewer researchers to monitor workplace hazards, it's more important than ever to take precautions. Use proper PPE, attend all safety training and document any incidents or exposure you experience or witness. Consider looking for new opportunities. Sen. Capito and West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey both say they're working to help affected workers find new employment. While these roles may take time to materialize, job retraining programs or federal grants may be offered soon. Pay attention to state announcements and job boards. As Trump and DOGE aim to reshape federal agencies, communities like Morgantown are left to navigate the fallout and fight to protect the workers and industries who have long powered the country. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
