HARLAN, Ky. (AP) — Former Kentucky miners who say they haven’t been paid by bankrupt coal operator Blackjewel LLC were blocking train tracks Tuesday as part of a protest against the company.
News outlets reports more than 20 miners and their families camped on tracks near Cumberland on Monday night to try to block trains hauling coal from a mine in Cloverlick. Several were still there Tuesday morning holding signs that say “no pay, we stay.” Miners allowed a train to pass Monday after police arrived, but have continued to protest and have again blocked the tracks.
Cumberland Mayor Charles Raleigh said the protesters don’t seem worried about the potential to be arrested for trespassing and are spending their time playing cornhole.
“We get our money, this load of coal that’s on this train can go by. But until then, there’ll be no trains coming in, there’ll be no trains going out,” miner Shane Smith told WYMT as he protested.
The station reports Blackjewel’s bankruptcy attorney hasn’t responded to a request for comment.
A federal judge approved a bidding process last week for Blackjewel mines. The fate of mines in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia that had employed about 1,100 miners depends on the outcome.
Raleigh said miners are upset because the bankruptcy court has approved nearly $8 million in loans for Blackjewel since the bankruptcy, but there’s still no money to cover bounced paychecks. He said the protesters have plenty of support including people who would post bail money if anyone is arrested.
A spokeswoman for CSX Corporation told the Lexington Herald-Leader that the rail company is monitoring the situation and hopes it is resolved quickly. The company was not able to say who bought the coal or hired CSX to move it.
