“We are pleased to sign these agreements well ahead of the expiration dates of our current contracts, ensuring a smooth transition and workforce continuity at our UMWA-represented mines,” said Ben Hatfield, executive vice president and COO.
The collective bargaining agreements will cover more than 1,900 workers at coal operations in West Virginia and Kentucky. “We are very happy to reach this agreement too,” said UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts. “Our members work very hard, most of them for 10 hours a day, six days a week. They are proud of the work they do and the role they play in America’s economy.” The Patriot operations include Federal No. 2, Hobet, Apogee, Black Oak and Pine Ridge mines in West Virginia, as well as the prep plants associated with those and other West Virginia mines. Agreements were also negotiated with Patriot subsidiaries operating the company’s Highland mine and Heritage prep plant in Kentucky.
