Miller initiated several democratic reforms which affected the renegotiation of the national coal collective bargaining agreement.
Wildcat strikes had become common in the coal industry as union miners grew frustrated with what they saw as poor terms of national contracts and employer foot-dragging on resolving disputes and grievances.
UMWA's collective bargaining demands included a 40 percent wage and benefit increase, significantly stronger health and safety language, five days of guaranteed sick leave each year, and higher employer contributions to the union's health and pension funds.
Workers in other basic industries such as steel and automobile manufacturing were making much more money than coal miners, even though their occupations were not nearly as dangerous to health or safety.
Employer contributions to UMWA's health and pension plans were dependent on the amount of coal mined.
However, the ongoing effects of the 1973 oil crisis had greatly enhanced the demand for coal, and steel and iron makers had few coking supplies on-hand.
President Gerald Ford threatened to bring a Taft-Hartley Act injunction against the union to force the miners back to work.
[3] Miller was able to overcome bargaining council opposition to the tentative agreement by arguing that members alone should have the final say on the pact.
The union members' unhappiness with the new collective bargaining agreement led to a continuing wave of wildcat strikes.
The number of wildcat strikes only increased through 1976, driving away many potential members and slowing organizing growth.