A Good Day's Work

Between 1993 and 1997, not a underground coal miner died from a fire or explosion. But during that time, the number of unionized mining operations dropped significantly.

The escalating number of underground fires, tragic accidents and deaths have been in non-union mining operations, where safety standards and training are at minimum federal levels.

However, with fewer and fewer unionized coal operators in business, there is less and less training for the miners and less oversight for underground safety.

Miners who work for union companies enjoy great pay - between $30 and $60 an hour -- plus benefits, company safety standards and continual training.

They also participate in programs to make the mine operations safe, including the landmark Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969.

This brought standards for safety and compensation for miners affected by Black Lung Disease.

The current federal safety efforts are supported by both the National Mining Association and the United Mine Workers Union.