Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Union Members Protest Patriot Coal Bankruptcy
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 8, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Members of the United Mine Workers union launched a series of protests against the Patriot Coal company’s bankruptcy, which stands to jeopardize the pension and health benefits of thousands of workers and their families.
The protests revolved around a string of proposed benefits cuts, following a request to extend more than $6 million in bonuses to corporate executives and salaried workers. The company argues the payments should be treated as incentives under bankruptcy law to retain key employees while it undergoes bankruptcy proceedings. Patriot spokesperson Janine Orf said the salaried employees experienced significant reductions in benefits and compensation, thereby justifying the bonuses.
“Even with these plans, participating employees’ compensation opportunities will be well below their [pre-bankruptcy] historical compensation as well as market levels,” Orf said, according to the West Virginia Gazette. “Given the magnitude of the tasks ahead, Patriot cannot afford to lose these key employees.”
However, UMW president Cecil Roberts said the bonus pay proposal is “a finger in the eye” to the more than 20,000 workers and their dependents who stand to lose their benefits as a result of the bankruptcy, the news source reports.
“While Patriot is handing out cash to managers and executives, thousands of retirees and widows the company is responsible for are worried about having to choose between buying groceries or getting the prescription drugs they need to live,” Roberts told the newspaper.
The employees who stand to lose their benefits reside primarily in West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Many of the workers – most of whom have worked in the mines for decades – noted that they developed health problems as a result of their grueling positions, and would not be able to cover their medical needs without their employer-sponsored benefits.
- Practices: Bankruptcy & Creditors' Rights, Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate
The Fort Monmouth redevelopment has entered its execution phase, and it is repositioning the broader Monmouth County real estate market. When Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority closed on the 292-acre Mega Parcel in December 2025, the transaction did more than hand over a deed. It marked the moment Fort Monmouth stopped being […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand
Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Real Estate Litigation Explained: Top 5 Disputes and How to Avoid Them
The five most common real estate disputes are breach of contract claims, landlord-tenant conflicts, zoning and land use disagreements, construction claims, and boundary disputes. Understanding why each arises, and taking preventive steps early, can help property owners, tenants, developers, and investors avoid costly litigation. Key Takeaways: Real estate transactions are complex endeavors involving numerous parties […]
Author: Paul Grossman
When a Child Turns 18: The Gap in Your Family’s Estate Plan
Once a child turns 18, parents lose the automatic legal authority to make medical and financial decisions on their behalf, even if the child still lives at home or remains on the family’s insurance. Three documents close that gap: a durable power of attorney, a health care proxy or directive, and a HIPAA authorization. For […]
Author: George McGowan
Business Mediation: An Overview and Practical Tips
Business mediation is a confidential, voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps companies negotiate a resolution to a commercial dispute without going to trial. Because working with a mediator is very different from litigating in the courtroom, it is important to understand how commercial mediation works, when it makes sense for your dispute, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
Top 5 Causes Leading to Construction Defect Litigation
The five most common causes of construction defect litigation are design defects, substandard materials, workmanship defects, code violations, and subsurface defects. Because these flaws can compromise a building’s integrity, functionality, or safety, they frequently lead to disputes involving multiple parties and high financial stakes. Key takeaways: What is Construction Defect Litigation? Construction litigation is complex, […]
Author: Paul Grossman
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.