Teamsters Offer Condolences to Families of WV Mine Explosion Victims

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Apr 06, 2010, 05:58 ET

57 Violations in March at Upper Big Branch Mine Reveal Dangerous Conditions

WASHINGTON, April 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- General President James P. Hoffa extended his deepest condolences today on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to the families and friends of the coal miners killed or injured in the explosion yesterday at Massey Energy Co.'s Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia.

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"Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims in this horrible tragedy," Hoffa said. "On behalf of 1.4 million Teamsters, we mourn their loss and express our deepest condolences."

The explosion is the deadliest U.S. mine disaster in 26 years. While details are still emerging, it is clear that the safety conditions at the Upper Big Branch mine were deplorable. Federal records revealed that the mine operator, Performance Coal Co., a subsidiary of Massey Energy Co., was cited for 57 safety violations in March alone.

"These violations paint a frightening picture of corporate indifference to the safety of the miners," Hoffa said. "This is a direct result of the erosion of mine safety regulations under the previous administration that allowed companies to prioritize profits over worker safety. We must redouble our efforts to strengthen worker safety and enforcement."

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, at President Obama's direction, has taken the first crucial steps to hire hundreds of new inspectors and enforcers. The Senate has confirmed Joe Main as an Assistant Secretary to head the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Main was the former administrator of the United Mine Workers of America's Health and Safety Department.

"These tragedies have become all too common in West Virginia, and we must do everything possible to prevent another single death in a mine," said Ken Hall, Teamsters International Vice President and President of Teamsters Local 175 in South Charleston, W.Va. "My entire state grieves with the families of these victims, and we thank the brave rescue teams for their efforts."

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters