Video shows trucks hitting workers picketing outside Warrior Met Coal

BROOKWOOD, Ala. (WBRC) - Things are apparently getting heated at the ongoing strike at the Warrior Met Coal plant. Union officials say some workers are turning to violence.

The United Mine Workers of America tells WBRC, some of its members have been hit by cars three times in the past three days while on the picket line.

In video, you can see a red truck bumping someone picketing outside Warrior Met Coal.

The other video shows a black truck hitting someone else as it made its way into the plant.

UMWA feels this is the company or some of its workers way of not allowing its workers to rightfully protest. The coal miners say they are looking for equality and fair treatment on the job.

This latest incident comes after a number of arrests took place in recent days among workers who are picketing.

“We’ve done nothing to provoke these attacks. They really kind of changed the dynamics here and assumed that they’re going to adopt a violence stance against people are who engaging in a peaceful activity,” Phil Smith with UMWA said.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is not aware of any police reports filed yet, but they have increased patrols to keep the peace.

UMWA’s president is calling on Warrior Met Coal to come to the bargaining table in good faith, ready to hammer out a fair and reasonable agreement.

Officials for Warrior Met Coal released the following statement in response to the video:

“Warrior Met Coal, Inc. was granted a court-ordered injunction in an effort to maintain a safe environment for our employees – including those actively at work and those currently on strike. This injunction was put in place due to unlawful activity on the picket lines early during the strike, to allow for peaceful ingress and egress to our facilities, as well as maintain public safety. Among other items, the injunction specifically prohibits picketers from interfering, hindering or obstructing ingress and egress to the Company’s properties. This is a stressful situation for all individuals involved, and continued violations of the injunction have resulted in recent incidents.

Warrior Met Coal values all of its employees and does not condone any acts of violence. We are thankful for the support of local law enforcement as we navigate through these issues. We remain committed to active negotiations with the goal of reaching a fair contract that protects jobs and ensures the longevity of the Company.”

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