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ANR Form Post-UBB Safety Research Panel

Three workplace safety and health experts will lead a research foundation formed by Alpha Natural Resources as part of a settlement agreement following the Upper Big Branch Mine accident.  U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin, who worked out the deal with Alpha, said the foundation will be led by Keith Heasley of WVU, David Karmis of Virginia Tech and David Wegman of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

The company will provide $48 million in funds for independent research for improving coal mine safety and health.  This panel will oversee the use and expenditure of these funds.

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"Quickie" Election Rule Struck Down

The National Mining Association (NMA) and allied organizations that comprise the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace have succeeded in setting aside an ill-conceived rule from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).  The US District Court of the District of Columbia struck down NLRB’s so-called “quickie” elections rule.  The “quickie” elections rule would have eliminated the current 25-day grace period between the request for an election and the holding of an election.  The rule also limited the issues and evidence that can be presented at a pre-election hearing denying employers due process and allowing important questions to remain unresolved prior to a union representation election.
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Security America to Co-Sponsor at Coal Festival

Security America will co-sponsor Gospel Night at the Coal Festival in Madison, WV on Wednesday, June 20th.
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Diesel Equipment Use Clarified

A copy of a policy on “diesel equipment” issued by CA Phillips, director, Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training to his Inspectors-at-large and all agency inspection staff is available upon request from WVCA offices. The policy addresses and permits the operation of diesel equipment in areas of the mine e.g. crosscuts, spurs and airlocks.

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GE Acquires Fairchild International

GE is pursuing acquisitions of two underground mining equipment manufacturers in support of the global expansion of its mining business.  GE has signed a binding Letter of Intent to acquire Fairchild International, an independently owned and operated underground mining equipment manufactuer located in Glen Lyn, Virginia and the first associate member of WVCA. The new company will be known as GE/Fairchild.  GE has also entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of Australia-based Industrea Limited, a provider of safety and productivity-enhancing mining equipment and services.