Murray Energy Fined, Ordered to Re-Inform Miners of Their Rights

A judge has ordered Murray Energy’s CEO to inform coal miners about their rights to file complaints with federal mine safety regulators. The judge also ordered a 150-thousand-dollar fine before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. 

Judge Margaret Miller’s order talks about how CEO Robert Murray gave speeches to West Virginia miners last year saying complaints lodged with the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration must be sent to management.

The speeches were followed by complaints by union miners in the United Mine Workers of America that ultimately led to citations at Murray mines.

Judge Miller wrote last week that requiring miners to complain to management would remove anonymity from complaints and dissuade a miner from making complaints.

Murray Energy spokesman Gary Broadbent said the decision is wrong, and that the company plans to appeal immediately.