Patriot progresses with UMWA negotiations, implements changes
TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Bankrupt miner Patriot Coal on Tuesday said it was making “substantial” progress in its ongoing discussions with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and that it had exercised the authority granted to it by the Bankruptcy Court to implement changes to wages, benefits and active employee healthcare.
The company said that despite the authority to take unilateral action, it had chosen to implement terms that were significantly “improved” from those approved by the court.
Bankruptcy Court in St Louis ruled at the end of May that Patriot Coal could scrap collective bargaining agreements, stop pension contributions and convert retiree healthcare to an outside fund as part of its reorganisation efforts.
The ruling was a significant blow to the UMWA, which represents about 40% of the active miners, who have fought the proposed cuts to its active members and retirees.
“Patriot and the UMWA are continuing to meet in a diligent effort to resolve the outstanding differences and reach a consensual agreement,” Patriot said in a statement.
Patriot and the UMWA had also reached an agreement through which retiree healthcare would continue to be provided at current benefit levels through July and August.
Negotiations were expected to continue over the coming weeks as the parties targeted a final resolution to be presented to UMWA members by the end of July.
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