Today, Explained Coal's last stand
Aug 21, 2019
In eastern Kentucky, laid-off miners are blocking a coal train to demand their owed wages after a company bankruptcy left them in despair. Their protest highlights a historical struggle for workers' rights in a region facing economic turmoil and a declining coal industry. Activists, including a passionate figure named Wiggles, showcase resilience amid hardships. Personal stories reveal the tough conditions miners endure, while the community grapples with political and economic shifts that threaten their livelihood and future.
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Train Track Protest
- Miners in Kentucky blocked a coal train after their company, Black Jewel, went bankrupt and their paychecks bounced.
- This protest grew into a full-on encampment on the tracks, resembling a community gathering.
Coal Ownership
- The ownership of the coal is complex; the mines are owned by Copper Glow, but the coal belongs to Black Jewel Marketing and Sales.
- The $1.4 million worth of coal could catch fire if left on the tracks.
Police Involvement
- Police initially asked the protestors to leave the tracks for trespassing.
- However, law enforcement later allowed the miners to stay after they moved slightly down the tracks.