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The Yablonski Murders: A Chronicle of Betrayal, Bloodshed, and the Fight for the United Mine Workers of America

Jamison Cox

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Published in Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders And The Battle For The United Mine Workers Of America

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Joseph Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders And The Battle For The United Mine Workers Of America

The Yablonski murders stand as a chilling testament to the dark underbelly of organized labor in the United States. In December 1969, Joseph "Jock" Yablonski, his wife Margaret, and his daughter Charlotte were brutally murdered in their McKees Rocks home. The shocking crime sent shockwaves through the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and the nation, exposing a web of corruption, violence, and a bitter power struggle at the heart of the union.

The Rise and Fall of Jock Yablonski

Born in 1912, Jock Yablonski was a Ukrainian-American immigrant who rose through the ranks of the UMWA to become an outspoken critic of the union's corrupt and ineffective leadership. In 1969, he challenged Tony Boyle, the incumbent president of the UMWA, in a hard-fought and bitter election campaign.

Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America

by Mark A. Bradley

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15983 KB
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Print length	:	335 pages

Yablonski's campaign struck a chord with many miners, who were disillusioned with Boyle's autocratic rule and his cronyism. However, Boyle was determined to maintain his grip on power at any cost, even if it meant resorting to violence.

The Murders and Investigation

On December 31, 1969, three assassins hired by Boyle's henchmen brutally murdered the Yablonskis in their home. The killers, led by a former Green Beret named Paul Gilly, broke into the house at night and shot the family members in cold blood.

The murders sparked outrage and a massive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Within months, Gilly and his accomplices were apprehended, and Boyle and other top UMWA officials were implicated in the plot.

The Trial and Aftermath

The trial of Boyle and his co-conspirators lasted for months and captivated the public's attention. The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence of the defendants' guilt, including a recorded phone conversation in which Boyle discussed the murders with Gilly.

In 1974, Boyle was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to life in prison. He died in prison in 1993. Several other UMWA officials were also convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

Legacy of the Yablonski Murders

The Yablonski murders had a profound impact on the UMWA and the labor movement in the United States. The crime exposed the deep-seated corruption and violence that had infiltrated the union, and it led to a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.

The murders also catalyzed the rise of a new generation of labor leaders who were committed to eradicating corruption and fighting for the rights of miners. Arnold Miller, who succeeded Boyle as president of the UMWA, implemented a series of reforms that helped to revitalize the union and restore its reputation.

The Battle for the UMWA

The Yablonski murders were just one chapter in the ongoing battle for the United Mine Workers of America. The union has faced numerous challenges over the years, including declining membership, mine closures, and the rise of anti-union sentiment.

However, the UMWA has remained a powerful force in American labor, fighting for the rights of miners and advocating for policies that benefit working families. The union has also played a pivotal role in environmental protection, advocating for clean air and water and opposing mountaintop removal mining.

The Yablonski murders serve as a chilling reminder of the dark side of organized labor. The crime exposed the dangers of corruption and violence, and it led to a series of reforms that helped to strengthen the labor movement.

The ongoing battle for the United Mine Workers of America is a testament to the challenges and resilience of organized labor in the United States. The union has faced numerous obstacles over the years, but it has remained a powerful force fighting for the rights of miners and working families.

Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America

by Mark A. Bradley

4.8 out of 5