UMWA reaches tentative agreement with Bituminous Coal Operators' Association

[TRIANGLE, VA] -- The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) announced today that it has reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Bituminous Coal Operators' Association (BCOA) for a new 5 1/2 year agreement that would become effective July 1, 2011.

Ratification votes at approximately 125 UMWA Local Unions nationwide will take place on Friday, June 17. As required by the UMWA Constitution, Local Union contract explanation meetings will take place on Wednesday, June 15, two days prior to the ratification vote. Details of the tentative agreement will not be released until after the explanation meetings.

"This has been a long and intense process," UMWA President Cecil E. Roberts said.  "We had many issues to confront, especially with respect to our pensions, health care and wages. But through the strength and solidarity UMWA members have historically demonstrated, we were able to meet those challenges."