HARLAN, Ky. (AP) — The Latest on a Kentucky protest by former employees of a bankrupt coal operator (all times local):
2:45 p.m.
A bankrupt coal operator is telling employees that it’s working to resolve bankruptcy issues “as quickly as possible.”
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports Blackjewel LLC said in a statement to employees Tuesday that it knows miners are eager for a resolution and “we are doing everything possible to bring as many employees as possible back to work as quickly as possible.”
Several former Kentucky miners who say they haven’t been paid by Blackjewel LLC were blocking train tracks Tuesday as part of a protest against the company.
News outlets report more than 20 miners and their families camped on tracks near Cumberland on Monday night and several were still there Tuesday afternoon holding signs that say “no pay, we stay.”
___
1 p.m.
Former Kentucky miners who say they haven’t been paid by bankrupt coal operator Blackjewel LLC are blocking train tracks as part of a protest against the company.
WYMT-TV 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.
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 and Virginia depends on the outcome.
