JUSTICE AT PEABODY COAL

Over the past year and a half, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has met with hundreds of Peabody employees to discuss the issues that plague them in the workplace. An increasing groundswell of support began to happen from the workers who demanded they deserved the right to better benefits, increased safety standards, respect for seniority, to have dignity on job and the list goes on and on.

Peabody Energy, the world’s largest coal company, experienced record profits during this same time period, but  their workers have complained of working longer hours, decreased safety and no mention of better benefits to compensate their hard work.

Industry analysts agree the company is predicted to continue to grow because of the resurgence of the world’s need for coal. Peabody already has its sites set on building its own electric plants in the U.S. and continuing its expansion in the international coal markets. Many of Peabody's workers fear this growth will further continue the eradication of their rights on the job and have taken a stand to demand Peabody address their concerns.

Jobs with Justice has joined the UMWA and AFL-CIO to stand by the Peabody miners and to aid in their struggle to gain a voice at work. On September 17 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM at Zion United Church of Christ (437 First St.) in Henderson, KY, the Kentucky Jobs with Justice Workers' Rights Board will bear testimony from miners about their campaign for justice. To learn more about this campaign, visit the Justice at Peabody website.