June 26, 2021 - Miners who are members of United Mine Workers of America and are employed at Alabama's Warrior Met Coal have been on strike since March over a dispute with the company regarding unfair labor practice accusations and requests for better wages and labor-management relations.

Since the strike began, miners have been hosting weekly rallies every Wednesday at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park.

On Wednesday, June 24, Local Union President Brian Michael Kelly said these weekly rallies offer a chance for miners and their representatives to go over any contract negotiations and overall updates.

Kelly said Warrior Met Coal has proposed a deal that would acknowledge newer workers before longtime employees.

“They want to put the scabs and new hires in front of us in their latest proposal,” Kelly said.

There haven’t been any updates regarding contract negotiations since Warrior Met proposed a contract in April that was rejected by union members.

Because the mine workers haven’t been getting paid since March, there are several local organizations offering support and ensuring those who are out of work have access to food and other necessary supplies.

The Tuscaloosa County Democratic Party is partnering with the United Mine Workers of America’s Strike Pantry and taking up donations for household items and money that will be distributed to miners.

Cans for Kritters was also at the rally Wednesday, offering donated dog and cat food and other pet supplies to miners with pets.

Miner’s Committee Chairman Dedrick Gardner said he loves seeing the camaraderie within the mining community amid the strike.

“I’ve always said this before the strike happened, but regardless of who you are, what you believe in, how you feel, it’s a brotherhood and sisterhood,” he said. “You throw all those feelings away when it’s time to handle business and come together.”