http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_6751317Feds say families of trapped miners can't request union help -- only the miners can
By Mike Gorrell
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 08/29/2007 06:28:16 PM MDT
PRICE - The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has determined the United Mine Workers of America union cannot represent the families of six trapped coal miners in the agency's upcoming investigation of the Crandall Canyon mine disaster.
The union filed papers with MSHA last Friday, saying that all six families had signed documents designating the UMWA as their representatives when the agency launches its probe into the Aug. 6 collapse that trapped the miners deep underground.
The six are still missing and presumed dead. Three more men died Aug. 16 when the mine's walls blew in again as rescuers tried to dig their way back to the trapped miners through the rubble of the first implosion.
Crandall Canyon was a non-union mine. But the UMWA maintains federal law allows union involvement in safety investigations if requested by two or more miners or their families.
In this case, union spokesman Phil Smith said, "MSHA requires that miners sign these papers, but the miners in question were unable because they are trapped inside the mine."
A statement from MSHA spokesman Dirk Fillpot said "we are disappointed that the UMWA is trying to use a law enforcement investigation for its own purposes. MSHA has spent untold hours briefing the families of the missing miners on every detail of the rescue activities and MSHA will keep them apprised of the progress of our investigation. The Mine Safety and Health Act is clear on who can seek representation in these investigations."
He referenced federal regulations that specify procedures for miners to identify their representatives, but that does not include provisions for family members to do so.
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