Laid-off mine workers who blocked $1m coal train for two months awarded $5m back-pay
Mine workers who were left without a job and refused back-pay realised they still had a $1m bargaining chip
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hundreds of miners who blocked a coal train for two months have negotiated a $5.1m deal from the mine’s owner.
Blackjewel filed for bankruptcy in July without giving any advance warning or posting a bond to cover the payroll, which is a legal requirement in the state.
As a result, the pay cheques of more than 650 miners at Black Mountain and Lone Mountain mines bounced.
But with a final load of coal worth more than $1m still to be shipped out, the workers - owed an average of $4,200 each - spotted an opportunity.
They blocked blocked it for two months in protest, with a small camp on the tracks quickly growing into a small tent city.
Some sat in chairs to form a human chain across the tracks and holding signs that said: 'No pay, we stay'.
A Blackjewel settlement will see around 1,700 across the company - including the Kentucky miners - awarded their back pay.
However, none of them have been reimbursed for their employee benefits such as retirement contributions and holiday pay.
One former miner told CNN that they are all ‘relieved’ as the money arrived in time for the holiday season.
Last Friday, Democratic candidate Senator Bernie Sanders reportedly sent 18 pizzas to them as he attempted to raise awareness of the ongoing dispute.
Demand for coal has fallen in the US, with the number of active mines decreasing by more than half since 2008.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments