Two Randolph County towns support Peabody miners' right to form unions without company interference
At its December 13, 2006 meeting, the Percy Village Council (Il.) unanimously passed a resolution supporting the right of Peabody miners to organize a union free from management interference. The village’s passage of the workers’ rights resolution followed unanimous passage of a similar resolution by nearby Ellis Grove on November 6. The Percy resolution passed 7-0 and the Ellis Grove resolution passed 6-0.
“We passed the resolution to support all of our local citizens,” said Ellis Grove Board Member Glen McCoy. “All workers should have a choice about unionization”
The resolutions state that Peabody should allow its employees to choose freely whether to unionize. The resolutions request that Peabody remain neutral and not resort to the use of pressure tactics, such as mandatory meetings on unionization, threats to close the mine, or any other form of interference or intimidation. The resolutions also request that Peabody agree to an expedited and fair process by which employees can make a decision about unionization.
Peabody Energy coal miners and their supporters launched the Justice at Peabody campaign in December, 2005 to call on Peabody Energy to allow workers to organize a union free from employer intimidation and harassment. Since that time, over a dozen communities in four states have passed resolutions and over 600 religious leaders have signed a statement in support of the right of Peabody miners to organize unions free from management interference.
A copy of the passed resolutions will be sent to Peabody’s CEO Greg Boyce.
For further information visit http://www.justiceatpeabody.org