WHEELING, W.Va. –United Mine Workers of America members at five Murray Energy Corp. mines in West Virginia rejected a new contract Tuesday that would have lasted through 2021.
“This is a democratic union. The membership has had their say and I respect their decision,”UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said. “This is a very hard time for everyone in the coal industry, especially those who actually mine the coal. Thousands are laid off and those who remain at work confront ever-more difficult working conditions. Today’s vote reflects those difficulties, and I understand that.”
Roberts said the union’s current working agreement lasts for about six more months. The new contract would have covered union employees at the Ohio County, Marshall County, Marion County, Harrison County and Monongalia County mines…
