Aid for laid-off miners
Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter Exterior of the Observer-Reporter building in Washington.
Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter Exterior of the Observer-Reporter building in Washington.
Coal miners who lost their jobs when Greene County’s Emerald Mine closed in November recently had the chance to hear from numerous agencies about resources available to help them transition to a life after mining.
At a meeting March 3 in Ruff Creek organized by several former miners who call their group Career Opportunities After Layoffs, representatives of local and state agencies, schools and businesses spoke about how they could help the workers find jobs and begin new careers.
Four months off the job, many workers are still having trouble finding work. When Emerald closed, about 220 miners lost employment. Sign-in sheets indicated 75 of the former miners attended the meeting.
Several of the workers spoke about their frustrations in attempting to find new jobs. One, Ted Fink of Carmichaels, said he applied for 163 jobs since the mine closed and had received one interview. Bob Wilson, chairman of COAL, noted although miners were eligible for 26 weeks of unemployment benefits, many of the training programs available to them run much longer. Money is available for workers to pay for training, but not to help them keep food on the table while they’re taking classes.
Those who spoke at the meeting provided information on opportunities ranging from building and trade apprenticeships and small business development to emergency food and personal finance.
Frank Hudock, a steelworker who lost his job and went back to school to become a nurse, also spoke. After losing his job at age 35, Hudock was worried whether he was too old or smart enough to be trained in a new field.
“I did it. You can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t,” Hudock said. “This isn’t the end, this is only a beginning.”
It’s true the workers still face a difficult road ahead. However, the show of support from people who were willing to help and came to a meeting on a cold, late-winter night must at least be of some comfort.