Murray Energy Corp., United Mine Workers Association Reach New Agreement
WHEELING — Murray Energy Corp. and the United Mine Workers of America this morning announced a tenantive labor agreement that will impact workers at six Murray mines through the end of 2021.
The agreement — which would cover union employees at the Ohio County, Marshall County, Marion County, Harrison County and Monongalia County mines in West Virginia, as well as the remaining workers at the soon-to-close Powhatan No. 6 Mine — would last through Dec. 31, 2021.
Robert E. Murray serves as president, chairman and CEO of Murray Energy and chairman of the Bituminous Coal Operators Association.
“We are pleased that the BCOA and UMWA have reached this very important tentative agreement, which will go a long way in ensuring that Murray American’s UMWA-represented employees are able to continue working, even in this very depressed coal marketplace.
Indeed, over the past several years, the U.S. coal industry has been absolutely destroyed by policies of the Obama Administration and by the increased use of natural gas to generate electricity,” Murray said.
“Coal markets and prices have generally been cut in half. This tentative agreement provides the BCOA and UMWA with a path forward, even in these extremely difficult times.”
The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by UMWA members. International President Cecil E. Roberts said the vote would take place Tuesday.
“This tentative agreement comes six months before the expiration of the current agreement, however the rapidly deteriorating status of the American coal industry means that it is important to lock in the best terms and conditions we can before things get any worse,” Roberts said. “We believe this proposal does that, but it is up to the UMWA members who will vote on this agreement to make the final determination.”
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