"Shame On Massey" Say Protesters

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

More than 50 labor rights activists rallied outside the National Press Club Thursday where Don Blankenship – the Chairman and CEO of mining company Massey Energy – was scheduled to speak. “A total of 31 miners have been killed this year at mines owned by Massey,” Peg Seminario, AFL-CIO director of Safety and Health, told Union City. “These tragic deaths are a direct result of Don Blankenship and Massey Energy’s repeated health and safety violations. They need to be held accountable and take responsibility, rather than pushing the blame onto workers!” The protesters rallied for an hour in the midday heat, chanting “People over profit – kill no more!” and “Shame on Massey” as they handed leaflets to onlookers. Following the rally, a small delegation entered the building to directly ask Blankenship, “How many workers have to die for you to follow safety laws?” – report/photo by Adam Wright