So I emailed UMWA over the weekend and just heard back from them. Here is what it says:
Good afternoon,
Thank you for reaching out to us! In regards to the 8 hour ribbon you’re inquiring about, back in 1890 when the UMWA was founded, employees worked 100 hours a week. Through years of pressure from the United Mine Workers to reform working conditions and protect the hard working people of the coal industry, and many other labor heavy occupations, the Union was able to sign an agreement with coal operators. In January of 1898, UMWA representatives and company operators met in a joint conference where the agreement was signed. The changes agreed upon included union recognition, wage increases, the check off system (operators' guarantee that union dues would be deducted from wages), uniform standards for weighing coal and the 8-hour day for coal mine workers! The 8-hour work day was an incredible success in labor history and a win that should have and should always be upheld.
In regards to the value of the 8-hour ribbon in your possession, I am unsure of its monetary value. To us, it is priceless of course! Online I have seen the ribbon being sold for anywhere from $25 to hundreds of dollars!
