UMW, Coal Mines Approve Contract

WASHINGTON — The United Mine Workers and the nation’s largest coal operators reached agreement on a proposed new contract Saturday, one day before their current 40-month contract was due to expire, officials said.

The agreement still must be approved by the rank-and-file miners in a vote expected Feb. 8.

UMW President Richard Trumka told the miners to work their next regular shift. He said the expiring agreement would be extended until the vote.

Details of the agreement will not be available until after the proposal is explained to union members, Trumka said. He said it provides “significant enhancement of job opportunity and expanded economic security.” He would not predict how the membership will react.

The UMW, which has seen its membership fall dramatically in recent years, had sought a clause giving its members first crack at new jobs created when mine operators set up a subsidiary.