Today in Labor History

A huge underground explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, W. Va., kills 29 miners. It was the worst U.S. mine disaster in 40 years. The Massey Energy Co. mine had been cited for two safety infractions the day before the blast; 57 the month before, and 1,342 in the previous five years. Three and one-half years after the disaster Massey’s then-CEO, Don Blankenship, was indicted by a federal grand jury on four criminal counts - 2010
A memorial to the victims of the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine at the mine entrance includes helmets with the names of the 29 victims. 
Compiled/edited by Union Communication Services

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