Coal Miners Will Hopefully Get Protection

Hardly a day goes by when there isn't an article about coal miners or coal mining in the papers. As I read the paper this morning, I noticed two separate articles.

In the first article, it is noted that Senators Rockefeller and Manchin are proposing a law that would help to protect pensions and health benefits of the thousands of miners who worked for Patriot Coal and Arch Coal. As you may already know, the coal companies are attempting to dodge their commitments to their current and retired employees by filing for bankruptcy. Like so many industrial corporations before them, Patriot and Arch are seeking to cast aside the promises they made to their employees. These coal miners have worked hard and lived up to their end of the bargain. It's time that the coal companies do the same. This would have sweeping effects on the people of West Virginia. It is estimated that 47,000 West Virginians would lose or otherwise have their benefits lowered if this bill does not go through. I urge you to support this important piece of legislation.

The second article noted that the United Coal Company resumed production in Sophia, Raleigh County, West Virginia. This is the same mine where two miners were killed within two weeks of each other. Two lives cut short. Two families wrecked. United Coal Company says that they are dedicating the first days back on the job to "task retraining" and "review of safety protocols." It makes you wonder: "was United Coal Company dedicated to training and safety protocols before the deaths of two men?"

It is high time that coal miners receive the support and safety they deserve.

If you or a family member has been injured in a coal mining accident, please call Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC for a case evaluation. The lawyers at Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC have handled, and are currently handling, cases involving coal mine injuries.

At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, It's Not Just Business...It's Personal.