Archive for January 27th, 2009
Ohio rally hits Chamber of Commerce union-busting forum
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chamber of Commerce here got much more turnout for the anti-union seminar at the local country club than they expected, or wanted, for that matter.
The Ross County Chamber had issued a call for a Jan. 23 seminar on “Stopping the Employee Free Choice Act/Standing Up to Big Labor.” They expected a turnout of business types to plot strategy to oppose the proposed labor law reform that would strengthen worker’s right to organize. What they got was a big turnout, but of unionists and union supporters.
UAW, Chrysler Eliminate Jobs Bank
DETROIT – The United Auto Workers union has eliminated its jobs bank for Chrysler workers.
After weeks of speculation, union officials told their members the doors to the controversial job bank will be closing on Monday, Jan. 26.
Consol’s top coal-to-gasoline executive retires
CHARLESTON, W.Va.–The Consol Energy executive who headed the company’s effort to build a coal-to-gasoline plant in Marshall County has retired but Consol’s interest in the project “remains undiminished,” said company spokesman Thomas Hoffman.
Paul Spurgeon retired effective last week. “It doesn’t mean anything for the project,” Hoffman said. “We are still interested in pursuing some sort of a conversion project in the Ohio Valley.”
ExxonMobil sells Monterey coal mine – Will new owners keep the Union?
CARLINVILLE — The Monterey coal mine near Carlinville has been sold.
ExxonMobil spokeswoman Margaret Ross said in an e-mail Monday the company sold the mine to Macoupin Energy LLC. Macoupin Energy is part of the Cline Group, which also owns Hillsboro Energy and has mines elsewhere in Illinois and West Virginia.
Spokesmen for the Cline Group did not return phone calls seeking comment. Ross said questions should be directed to the new owner.
UMWA marks 119th birthday
United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E.
Roberts issued the following statement today:
“On January 25, 1890, 119 years ago yesterday, hundreds of incredibly brave coal miners from around the country gathered in Columbus, Oh., and voted to establish the United Mine Workers of America. They were of different racial and ethnic backgrounds and spoke different languages, yet all were united by one common purpose: To throw off the yoke of servitude and oppression that defined life for a coal miner–no matter his race or national origin.
