UMWA Benefit Plan Trustees Sue Justice-Owned Company
November 22, 2024 - Trustees of union coal mine worker health and pension plans have sued a company owned by Gov. Jim Justice.
The trustees for three United Mine Workers of America health and retirement plans have sued Justice Energy Company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
UMWA President Cecil Roberts, dressed in a camouflage shirt and surrounded by union members, waves a victory sign
In a complaint filed this week, the trustees allege that Justice Energy underpaid wage agreement contributions to the funds by more than $158,000 with an additional interest balance approaching $10,000.
The complaint says the trustees asked Justice Energy to pay those amounts on Oct. 30, but no payment was submitted.
The trustees asked Justice Energy three times this year, most recently on Oct. 30, to conduct an audit of its books and records as required by the wage agreement, but the complaint says the company has not done so.
The lawsuit is one among many involving Justice-owned coal companies in West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting has reached out to an attorney for Justice Energy.