W. Va. legislators reject extra protection for miners who blow whistle on unsafe conditions

The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee "shot down a bill that aimed to expand an anti-discrimination law that covers miners who report, file complaints or testify about alleged safety rules violations or dangers," reports The Associated Press. The bill lost 8-6.

"The measure sought to increase the circumstances under which miners can allege unsafe conditions without fear of firing or other retaliation," AP reports. The circumstances included refusal "to work in an area or under conditions which he or she believes to be unsafe."

Opponents said the bill added little to existing law and that even if passed, might not protect whistleblowers. That riled a co-sponsor, Sen. Randy White, D-Webster County, whose district includes the Sago Mine, scene of the biggest mine disaster in recent years. "This is not false hope,'' White told AP. "This is a statement that no man or woman in this state has to fear for their job if they refuse to go into an unsafe mine. This is about protecting their families.'' (Read more)