With benefits at risk, coal miner union rallies in Kentucky
Source: WJHL
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Thousands of retired coal miners rallied Tuesday in Kentucky to call on Congress to protect their benefits as the industry struggles and operators seek bankruptcy protection from debts.
United Mine Workers president Cecil Roberts told the gathering in Lexington of about 4,000 members from seven states that miners spent their lives working in dangerous places to provide the nation’s electricity and steel. The miners, some of whom arrived in wheelchairs, don’t deserve to have their benefits put in jeopardy, Roberts said.
“What do they want these people to do, get out of their wheelchairs and go back to the mines?” Roberts remarked after the rally.
Roberts, who is popular among the union membership for his fiery oratorical style, told the crowd, “America owes us, and we will collect on that debt.”
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United Mine Workers of America president Cecil Roberts speaks to about 4,000 retired members at the Lexington Center in Lexington, Ky., on Tuesday, June 14, 2016. Roberts urged members to push for legislation that would protect pensions and health care benefits for retirees that have been put in jeopardy due to a downturn in the coal industry. (AP Photo/Dylan Lovan)
Read more: http://wjhl.com/2016/06/15/with-benefits-at-risk-coal-miner-union-rallies-in-kentucky/
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