In the recent wave of coal company bankruptcies, CEOs have been awarded multi-million dollar bonuses, while at the same time the companies are seeking release from their decades-old obligation to cover lifetime health benefits for retirees who are members of the United Mine Workers Union of America. The union says a bill in Congress that would protect their members healthcare coverage is critical to their well-being. FSRNs Melinda Tuhus reports from the coal fields of southern West Virginia.
Since 1947, retired members of the United Mine Workers Union have been entitled to lifetime medical benefits to deal with the health risks of a dirty, dangerous job, including black lung, which has seen a resurgence in recen…
Read the full article at: https://fsrn.org/2016/09/retired-miners-struggle-to-retain-healthcare-coverage-as-coal-companies-declare-bankruptcy/
