Warrior Met Coal Offers Cash Reward for Details on Damaged Equipment
Warrior Met Coal is offering up to $10,000 in cash for information regarding damage to the mine's property. According to a Tuesday press release, equipment has been found damaged on three separate occasions over the last two months.
The damage is to electrical transmission and distribution equipment at the mine. Deputy Jessica McDaniel, Public Information Officer for the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, confirmed TCSO is investigating multiple ongoing cases.
This is the latest lawless incident in the ongoing miner strike, which started April 1 of this year when nearly 1,100 workers began protesting wages and labor practices they believe to be unfair. Most recently, a video surfaced that seemingly shows UMWA strikers sending a concrete brick through the back windshield of someone who drove past the picket line.
Another incident involved Warrior Met Coal employees allegedly hitting the miners with their vehicles after the striking workers blocked the entrance one of the company's facilities in Brookwood.
According to the release from the Alabama Mining Association, the damage was intentionally caused on the nights of May 15, June 1 or June 12. The AMA said the vandalism could impact public utility services and endanger the health and safety of Warrior Met employees.
On Tuesday, the AMA said information provided about the damages could lead to a cash reward of up to $10,000 with payout determined by how helpful the information is to law enforcement.
"Our industry's greatest responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of our workforce and our neighbors in the communities where we operate," said AMA President Patrick Cagle. "These incidents were serious threats to Warrior's team and the surrounding area, and we encourage anyone with information to contact the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office so this reckless behavior can be stopped."
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office at 205-752-0616.