Associated Press Published

Coal Operator Sues Union, Alleges Breach of Contract

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Two Murray Energy subsidiaries have filed a lawsuit against the United Mine Workers of America alleging breach of contract.

The lawsuit says union workers have refused to report allegedly unsafe working conditions to management. The lawsuit also says union workers have refused to make a sincere effort to resolve any such issues with management.

The Dominion Post reports that Murray Energy American and Consolidation Coal Co., along with five mines, filed the federal lawsuit last week.

Union spokesman Phil Smith tells the newspaper that the lawsuit is without merit.

Under the mines’ previous owner, the lawsuit says the union customarily brought health and safety concerns to management before filing a complaint.

Murray Energy acquired the mines from CONSOL Energy in December 2013.