UMWA President Delivers Message As Warrior Met Strike Continues

BROOKWOOD, AL — Union miners and employees at Warrior Met Coal have yet to reach a new collective bargaining agreement with the west Alabama coal producer, as the labor strike by United Mine Workers of America enters its second week.

On Wednesday, UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts issued a video statement on the protracted strike and the union's reasonings for holding its ground at the negotiating table.

First, here are some quick facts:

- Warrior Met Coal, a publicly-traded metallurgical coal producer previously under the Walter Energy brand before its 2014 bankruptcy, has battled through poor business deals and a downturn in demand for its product for the last decade.

- In the fourth quarter of 2020, Warrior Met reported a net loss of $33.7 million, along with a noticeable dip in production for the full year, but cited its cash flow position in expressing optimism for the future. (Click here for the full quarterly report)

- Approximately 1,100 UMWA members remain off the job as of Wednesday, as the union said it will purchase health care insurance and provide relief assistance to striking members and their families. (More from Patch)

- Talks broke down last Friday as the four local unions failed to ratify a new tentative collective bargaining agreement when it was brought to a vote. (More from Patch)

- No public response has been issued from the company since March 31, following news of the proposed strike. Patch has also reached out to Warrior Met for additional comment.

Click here to watch the full video message from UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts that was published on Wednesday.

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