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