Sago investigation hits snag - owners want union out

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http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/2006011828

The investigation into the Sago Mine disaster hit a potential snag Wednesday, when International Coal Group officials objected to United Mine Workers representatives sitting in on interviews and taking part in an examination of the mine site.

Two UMW officials were kicked out of at least one interview Wednesday morning, after a Sago Mine foreman asked to give his statement without the union representatives being in the room.

ICG officials also have threatened to not allow UMW safety experts onto company property to take part in the on-site part of the investigation.

The Sago Mine is a nonunion operation. But earlier this week, at least two miners who work there designated the UMW — as is their right under federal law — as their official “miners’ representative” to take part in disaster investigation.

“If there is nothing to hide here, it would seem to me that they would welcome everyone’s involvement — especially a union that represents members of the rescue teams that went underground to try to save these miners,” said UMW President Cecil Roberts.

[benburch]

1. We need to force a union down their fucking throats.

Or shut down that mine.

[demosincebirth]

2. I agree,

but we also have to change federal laws that make it hard to organize.

[CornField]

3. This sort-of applies here --- about the mine workers

Sunday early evening, I was driving through eastern Iowa on my way home from a Democratic meeting. It was about 5:30-6 p.m. and I was letting the AM scan for channels. I came across a talk show and stopped the scan. There was a woman on and a man host. I had the impression that it was a conservative show, but I can't be sure of that.

In any event, they were discussing the unions - particularly the coal miners - during the 2004 election. The woman, who was obviously someone involved in union organizing, said she was talking to one of the union heads and asking who the miners were going to support in the presidential election.

"You won't believe what they're fighting about in there," the guy told her.

"What? Surely they aren't going to support him (meaning Bush)" she replied.

"They haven't even gotten that far. They are too busy arguing over homosexuals getting married to worry about anything else."

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Ain't that the truth. Our unions are too busy worrying about two men or two women getting married and not spending enough time worrying about things WHICH REALLY AFFECT THEM (you know, like black lung disease).