UMWA to release report on Upper Big Branch disaster

[CHARLESTON, W. VA.] The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) will release its report on the Apr. 5, 2010 disaster at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine at a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 25, in Charleston, W. Va.

"Our charge is different from any other party to this investigation," UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said. "We don't have operational policies from which to divert attention. We don't have regulatory enforcement actions-or inactions-to explain away. We don't have lawsuits to defend against.

"All we have are the surviving miners, their families and most of all, the families of the victims," Roberts said. "More than anyone, they deserve to know the entire truth about what happened to their loved ones and their co-workers. That's what we will report on Tuesday."

The UBB mine was a nonunion mine, however shortly after the explosion miners working there designated the UMWA as their representative in this investigation.

WHAT: UMWA press conference releasing its report on the Upper Big Branch disaster

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011

2:00 pm

WHERE: Salon E, Embassy Suites Hotel

300 Court Street, Charleston, W. Va.

Hotel phone: 304-347-8700

WHO: UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts

UMWA International Secretary-Treasurer Daniel J. Kane