The Nation - News from July 2, 1989

Health benefits of 85,000 retired miners and widows are being threatened by the wildcat strikes of an estimated 37,000 coal miners, an industry group said. Joseph Brennan, Bituminous Coal Operators Assn. president, said the health benefits are funded through hourly contributions by the coal companies, and the strikes have cut off much of the fund’s income. United Mine Workers spokesman Joe Corcoran could not be reached for comment on Brennan’s allegations. Miners began wildcat strikes June 12 to protest the Pittston Co.’s refusal to sign a contract with the union and to protest the past jailing and $3-million fines levied against the union and its members.