P.M. BRIEFING : UMW Fined $4.5 Million for ‘Terror’
A judge fined the United Mine Workers nearly $4.5 million today for what he called “acts of terror” in the coal fields.
Russell County Circuit Judge Donald McGlothlin Jr., who earlier fined the UMW nearly $3 million for violating orders limiting strike activities, blasted the union for assaulting and threatening people during the nearly 4-month-long strike against Pittston Coal Group Inc.
“There has been a feeling of terror throughout much of this area,” the judge said.
McGlothlin ordered that $2 million of the fines be paid to the state, $1 million to Dickenson County and almost $1.5 million to Russell County. He also ordered that all UMW members be restrained from impeding traffic around entrances to Pittston property and from interfering with local traffic.
Many of the fines stemmed from McGlothlin’s finding that the union failed to stop its members or supporters from forming convoys of slow-driving vehicles that have delayed the hauling of Pittston coal.
UMW attorney Mike Passino said he expected the union will appeal.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
