Hundreds of UMWA workers will have a rally Monday at the Patriot Coal headquarters in Scott Depot to protest the company’s arguments to eliminate its union contract.
Patriot has contended in federal bankruptcy court that the filing for bankruptcy should eliminate their pension responsibilities.
“No group of people sacrificed more to keep this company alive over the last three years than working and retired UMWA members and their families,” UMWA International President Cecil Roberts said. “They gave up wages, benefits and more so that Patriot could continue to operate. Their thanks for that is a kick in the teeth from Patriot’s new Wall Street masters.”
UMWA members and their families from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky are expected at the rally.