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Last union mine closes in Kentucky amid bleak comeback
Kentucky’s United Mine Workers era ends as Patriot Coal shuts Highland Mine in Harlan County leaving about 400 nonunion workers. Veterans recall violent past strikes and warn that industry changes may lower safety and pay, while others say higher wages and safer mines reduced discontent.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harlan
Kentucky
United Mine Workers
Appalachian Mountains
Kenny Johnson
Harlan County
Patriot Coal
Highland
United Mine Workers of America
Charles Dixon
Pike County
A.T. Massey Coal Company
Dixon
Buddy
Marshall Musick
Bennett
George Titler
Appalachia
Blair Mountain
West Virginia
Matewan
W.va
Evarts
U.S.A
Johnson
Highsprint
Phil Smith
Smith
Massey Energy
Don Blankenship
Upper Big Branch
Bill Bissett
Kentucky Coal Association
Western Kentucky
Scottie Sizemore
Sizemore
Patriot
Eastover Coal Company