[TRIANGLE, VA.] United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:
“Yesterday’s ruling by Judge Kevin R. Huennekens stripping away our collective bargaining agreement with Alpha Natural Resource and wiping away the company’s obligation for retiree benefits came as no surprise.
“We are trying to reach an agreement with the company to resolve this issue, but if we are unable to do that we will have to examine our options. Alpha can attempt to impose whatever terms and conditions at its operations it may desire. That doesn’t mean our members will agree to work under them.”
