Rep. McKinley Praises Agreement between the UMWA and Patriot Coal

Statement

Tonight, Rep. David B. McKinley (R-WV) responded to the United Mine Workers of America ratifying the latest contract offer presented by their union and officials with Patriot Coal:

"This is welcome news for thousands of current and retired coal miners around the Mountain State," said Rep. McKinley. "I would like to thank the leadership of Patriot Coal and the UMWA for staying at the negotiating table and coming to an agreement. This agreement will protect thousands of jobs for miners, protect the benefits workers have earned, and act as a strong economic incentive for communities around the Mountain State."

"There is still need for legislative action to help ensure the pension plan remains strong and the retiree's health care still gets funded," added McKinley. "Therefore we will continue to seek a bipartisan solution such as the bill I introduced earlier this month, the Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protection Act."

Source