A Background of Joseph Yablonski
Joseph A. Yablonski, member of the International Executive Board of the United Mine Workers of America announces his candidacy for the presidency of the UMA.
Joseph Albert Yablonski was born on March 3 of 1910 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His parents came to America from Poland and set their son to work in the mines at an early age. When his father died in a mining incident, Yablonski started to get involved with the UMWA, seeking better conditions for the workers.
Like Boyle, Yablonski worked his way up through the echelons of the union, becoming a representative to the international executive board in 1940 and earning a regulatory role of District 5 in 1958. Unlike Boyle, who seemed focused on his power and pleasing the mine owner, Yablonski was regarded as a real voice of the people.