BROOKWOOD, Ala. (AP) - The United Mine Workers of America went on strike at two Alabama coal mines with more than 1,100 workers after contract negotiations with Warrior Met Coal Inc. failed to produce a deal.
The walkout, which includes two other facilities, began at 10 p.m. Thursday over what the union called unfair labor practices.
The company, based in Brookwood, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Union officials said a strike would include the company’s No. 4 and No. 7 mines, a preparation plant and a central shop, all located in Tuscaloosa County.
Workers sacrificed to bring the company out of the Walter Energy bankruptcy five years ago, President Cecil Roberts said in a statement.
The strike, which gained backing from other labor groups on social media, began as officials were counting ballots in Birmingham amid a push to unionize workers at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, located about 30 miles from the mines.
Warrior Met, which produces coal used in steel production in Asia, Europe and South America, recently reported a loss of about $35 million for last year compared to net income of $302 million for 2019. Citing uncertainty created by the global pandemic, the company did not release financial guidance for this year.
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