June 14, 2019 - An agreement has been reached between the United Mine Workers of America and the Bituminous Coal Operators Association that will result in union members at Murray Energy properties receiving an additional $1 an hour and the restoration of a workers holiday.

The deal, announced Thursday, includes a 50 cents per hour increase on Aug. 15 and a similar increase on Jan. 1, 2021.

The birthday holiday will also be offered effective Jan 1. 2021; union members gave up the holiday as part of the current agreement which was ratified in 2016.

“We are pleased that the parties were able to reach this reopener agreement that recognizes the hard work our members have done over the last two and half years since the current contract was ratified,” UMWA president Cecil Roberts said. “They have not had a raise for more than three years and they deserve one. Under this agreement, they will have two.”

The agreement is through 2021.