Thousands march to protest Patriot Coal's benefit cuts; 16 arrested include UMWA president

"An estimated 6,000 to 10,000 union members and supporters rallied at the Charleston Civic Center on Monday, then marched a few blocks to Patriot Coal's state headquarters, to protest a proposal from the company to cut employee and retiree health benefits," Rusty Marks reports for the Charleston Gazette. "Sixteen people were arrested at the end of the peaceful demonstration, including United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts." (Gazette photo by Lawrence Pierce)

Patriot Coal wants a federal bankruptcy judge to void the terms of its UMWA contract. Marks notes, "The company filed for bankruptcy, and company officials have said reducing health-care benefits for employees is a key part of reorganizing the company's finances."

"State and federal lawmakers are working on legislation to force Patriot to pay and live up to the contracts it had with its retirees," WSAZ-TV in Huntington reports. "Patriot said in a statement it is not proposing to eliminate healthcare. The company says its proposal allows for continued coverage of union retirees at a level Patriot can afford."

Last week we reported that the West Virginia House was asking Patriot Coal to honor promises to retired miners.