An editorial from The Charleston Gazette
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Coal River mining complex just sent workers a bitter warning that it may terminate 280 jobs at two deep mines and two surface mines at Alum Creek and Julian in early October. A fifth mine in the complex already wiped out 160 jobs in the past year.
This followed a similar Alpha Natural Resources warning that 1,100 West Virginia layoffs may occur in mid-October — and a previous Patriot Coal notice of 850 possible layoffs.
Suffering in coal communities is a grim reality. A new study found that West Virginia is one of only two states (the other is Florida) in which wives now provide more family support than husbands. That’s partly because high-paying, blue-collar, male-dominated jobs are retreating, and wives often take lower-earning service work.
The University of New Hampshire report said West Virginia has America’s lowest ratio of employed husbands — 83.1 percent.
Reporter Caitlin Cook illustrated the findings by describing a coal miner who was laid off last fall, and now his wife is the chief family support as a day care worker at St. Agnes School in Kanawha City.
We suggested repeatedly that West Virginia leaders launch a task force to learn precise facts about the transformation that is in progress, and recommend ways to prepare for the future. Officialdom didn’t act — but a coalition of concerned citizens and groups is stepping forward:
“What’s Next, West Virginia?” is a series of public brainstorming sessions sponsored by the West Virginia Center for Civic Life, West Virginia Community Development Hub, West Virginia Public Broadcasting, West Virginia Council of Churches, Leadership West Virginia and 21 other nonprofit organizations. Upcoming programs include an Aug. 21 event in Beckley and a Sept. 3 session in Charleston…
