Coal company wants to hire non-English speaking miners

BY ANDREA BENNETT

NEWS EDITOR

Unsatisfied with the work ethic of Eastern Kentucky miners, a local coal company has requested that the state mining board make it possible for the company to hire non-English speaking miners.

“It is common knowledge that the work ethic of the Eastern Kentucky worker has declined from where it once was. Attitudes have changed among the existing work force, which effects attendance, drug use, and ultimately, productivity,” said a document distributed at a December board meeting by Sidney Coal Co. President Charlie Bearse.

The company has identified Hispanic workers who are interested in coming to the area to train to become miners, according to the document.

Currently, Kentucky law requires that all miners be fluent in English for safety reasons. But, Sidney Coal has asked for assistance in getting around legal hurdles that prevent coal companies from hiring non-English speaking miners.

This move does not sit well with some working in Eastern Kentucky mines.

“They should hire anybody who is capable of doing the job, but right now I don't think many Hispanics would be qualified,” said Ken Fletcher, a miner from Elkhorn City. “They should definitely be required to speak English. Anything else is bordering on ridiculous.”

The request from Sidney Coal also stems from a decreasing work force. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that Kentucky currently needs 3,500 new miners to meet the industry's demands.

The state has taken steps to address the issue, both at the high school and college level.

The Big Sandy Community and Technical College is currently training 41 men to become underground and surface miners through its Coal Careers Program, and will begin a third training class Monday, director Machelle Holbrook said.

“We have been so impressed with these men,” said Linda Lyons, spokesperson for the college. “They are always on time and very eager to work.”

Also, Gov. Ernie Fletcher recently presented a check to the Belfry Area Technology Center to fund a program for students considering a career in coal mining.

Some, however, fear that it is not the labor shortage, but the desire to cut labor expenses that fuels the request.

“What concerns me is if they are wanting to hire people at lower wages and offer them no benefits,” said Gypsy Cantrell, local United Steel Workers of America representative.

The Kentucky Mining Board voted to table the issue at the Dec. 22 meeting.

The proposal was not discussed at the board's meeting yesterday.