WV Coalminers Shut Down Mine In Protest Over Anti-Obama NRA Visit

[ensho]

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/10/01/wv-coalminers-shut-down-mine-in-protest-over-anti-obama-nra-visit/


Coal production at a mine in Monongalia County came to a halt today when every union miner stayed home, as part of a political protest.

It was an idle day Monday at the Blacksville #2 Mine.

More than 440 workers who are members of the United Mine Workers of America took what’s called a Memorial Day instead of going to work.

Union officials say they took the day to protest after a film crew from the National Rifle Association showed up at the Consol mine last week to interview union workers.

They say the crew tried to get union coal miners to speak out against Barack Obama. Read on…


The NRA didn’t just show up at the coal mine, this was apparently an unprecedented move by mine management, who allowed them in and supported the manipulation and exploitation of their employees. Consol just learned a big lesson - don’t f*#k with your union workers.

“Consol doesn’t let anybody on their property - never,” said Safety Committee Member Mark Dorsey, “And for them to let the NRA come on the property and solicit our membership was totally uncalled for. We made our endorsement to our political process and we didn’t bother them and they shouldn’t be harassing our membership over this.”
-------------------


right on!

[gratuitous]

1. You'd think this would rate some coverage

But I guess the 24-hour news cycle still isn't quite big enough to accommodate tales of union bravery. Well, I'm sure that John "Fundamentals" McCain was right there in West Virginia, standing in solidarity with the workers, right? Hello? Bueller?

[jeepnstein]

7. They should have asked...

why the UMW values the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. The Battle of Blair Mountain wasn't about deer hunting.

[orwell]

2. I thought this was the demographic...

...that the Obama campaign was having trouble with...

...like women...

never mind...

[ThomWV]

5. The pollsters constantly paint WV pink, don't worry, these people aren't stupid, Obama will win here

[orwell]

8. Thanks Thom...

...We're all hoping!

[ogneopasno]

3. America works best when we say UNION YES!

Well done, union miners!

[ThomWV]

4. For your information: The Blacksville No 2 Mine is one of the largest around

This is one of those little privately owned mines. Its probably one of, if not the the largest deep mines in northern West Virginia. Its located just outside of Morgantown, about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh and 50 miles due west of the western-most Maryland state line.

[ensho]

6. thanks for the info, makes what they did even more powerful

nt

[Hell Hath No Fury]

9. Now those are the REAL "rednecks"!

Go Union! :yourock:

[pilar007]

10. This is what a real union does.