Murray Energy may lay off thousands in mines
Murray Energy, the nation’s largest privately owned coal company, has issued notices that it could lay off up to 4,400 coal mine workers in six states come September.
A news release from the St. Clairsville, Ohio, company says it issued the notices for its operations in several states, including West Virginia and Ohio. The closest to Southwestern Pennsylvania is the Monongalia County Mine in West Virginia, formerly known as Blacksville No. 2. It is just across the Greene County line. Some of the coal mined there is in Greene.
The firm blamed the possible job losses on President Barack Obama’s environmental policies regarding coal, according to the release. The company also laid blame on increased use of low-price natural gas for electricity.
Murray and other coal operators are involved in contract negotiations with the United Mine Workers of America. The union’s members rejected a proposed contract last week.
Murray said earlier this year that all his mines are running on reduced schedules because of the slumping market.