June 8, 2019 - A United Mine Workers of America office building in Fairmont, West Virginia, has been named for union President Cecil E. Roberts.

The Exponent Telegram reports lawmakers and union officials gathered in The Friendly City on Thursday to name the building and celebrate Roberts. The union’s website says Roberts is a military veteran and sixth-generation coal miner who first took on the presidential role in 1995.

Democratic Del. Mike Caputo is a former union district vice president. He proposed naming the offices after Roberts, who he says was never afraid to be jailed while fighting on behalf of workers and miners. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin also attended the event and complimented Roberts’ leadership and compassion.

The union bought the new building after its old one suffered a waterline break.