UMWA to put second BCOA agreement to vote

The United Mineworkers of America (UMWA) has reached a new tentative agreement with the Bituminous Coal Operators Association (BCOA), a group of coal companies that includes Murray Energy. An original agreement was rejected by UMWA members in June.

The new agreement will now be presented to union members at a series of “contract explanation meetings” to be led by UMWA President Cecil E. Roberts, before a ratification vote on 12 August. The meetings will take place in Wheeling and Morgantown, West Virginia, and Centerville, Ohio.

Following the rejection of the original agreement, Murray Energy issues warning notices to over 80% of its workforce, informing of potential job losses due to weak coal markets. UMWA represents about 1500 Murray Energy workers.

The meetings will the open to active and retired members of the UMWA and their spouses. Details of the proposed agreement will be release following the ratification vote.

Edited by Jonathan Rowland.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/08082016/umwa-to-put-second-bcoa-agreement-to-vote-2016-2175/