2021-2023 Warrior Met Coal strike

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The 2021 Warrior Met Coal strike was a targeted labor strike carried out by approximately 1,100 workers at Warrior Met Coal organized under the UMWA Local No. 2397 in Brookwood. The walk-out began on April 1, 2021.

The strike was planned in response to the company's contract proposal. Miners recalled making concessions to help keep the mine operating when Warrior Met Coal declared bankruptcy in 2016. Though the company had returned to profitability, it only partially restored those concessions in their offer. For example, miners saw wages drop by $6 an hour, but were offered only a $1.50/hour raise, which would be implemented over 5 years. Warrior Met Coal continued to operate using non-Union workers.

Union members rejected a tentative deal in early April and the strike continued into June. In May 11 picketers were arrested and charged with trespassing at the gate entrance to the No. 7 Mine. On June 22 UMWA president Cecil Roberts was joined by 14 Brookwood miners to picket outside the offices of BlackRock Fund Advisors, State Street Global Advisors, and Renaissance Technologies in Manhattan. They were joined by supporters from the RWDSU and the Association of Flight Attendants. The picketing outside BlackRock's offices at 40 East 52nd Street in New York City was repeated on July 28, with hundreds of participants.

On three occasions company officials reported damage to electrical transmission and distribution equipment at the mine. The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incidents. The UMWA said it did not condone any type of violence or sabotage.

Also during the strike, Warrior Met Coal was found to have allowed pollutants to drain into Texas Creek from its coal preparation plant.

References

  • Thornton, William (April 12, 2021) "Alabama coal mine strike continues after union rejects offer." The Birmingham News
  • "Nearly a dozen striking Alabama coal miners arrested at protest." (May 26, 2021) Associated Press/The Birmingham News
  • Thornton, William (June 7, 2021) "Striking Alabama coal miners endure arrests, see little progress: 'We're just standing together'." The Birmingham News
  • Thornton, William (June 9, 2021) "Striking Alabama coal miners say they are targets for picket line violence." The Birmingham News
  • Thornton, William (June 22, 2021) "Striking Alabama coal miners take protest to Wall Street." The Birmingham News
  • Thornton, William (June 29, 2021) "Equipment damaged at Alabama coal mine where workers are striking, $10,000 reward offered." The Birmingham News
  • Thornton, William (July 26, 2021) "Striking Alabama coal miners taking protest back to New York." The Birmingham News
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