After almost two years, hundreds of striking miners may soon be back on the job, according to WVTM in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) initiated a strike at Warrior Met’s operations, located near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in April 2021.
Warrior Met operates longwalls, which can produce coal quite efficiently with fewer miners than traditional room-and-pillar methods. During that 2-year period the price and demand for metallurgical grade increased dramatically. The company not only continued to operate during the strike, but it also posted strong profits. The striking miners were also unable to gain the attention, let alone the support, they needed from politicians, who normally back unions, but now embrace green policies that do not align with organized labor.
In a February press release, UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said the union presented and unconditional offer to Warrior Met to return to work.
