Founded in 1890, the United Mine Workers of America is a union of membership that includes maintenance, office, health care and manufacturing workers throughout the United States and Canada. The organization works to provide safe workplaces, good wages, and health and retirement benefits. It manages the UMWA Health and Retirement Funds, which was founded in 1946 and provides pension and medical care solutions to more than 100,000 retired miners, widows and dependents. The United Mine Workers of America also operates hospitals and nursing homes throughout Virginia, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Alabama. The organization represents public and waste management employees. In addition, the United Mine Workers of America s membership works in underground and surface mines.