The coal mines treated their workers, the communities and the environment like absolute garbage until they were forced, kicking and screaming, to act with some decency by unions and federal agencies.

My father grew up in a coal camp, where my grandfather was paid in coal camp currency that could only be spent in the company store. No dollars. My Grandfather, a WWII vet, was physically maimed, had severe black lung, was completely deaf all from the mines. He didn't get a single penny after he was unable to work. Didn't get a penny from the black lung fund but suffered terribly in poverty until his death. Uncle died in the mines, his family was poor and broken forever.

Highly recommend a book "Soul Full of Coal Dust" by Chris Hamby for anyone who thinks these are problems from the long, long ago. These battles continue to this day, and the coal companies will still gladly watch a man die a miserable death to add just a little bit to their bottom line. If you think otherwise you don't know a fucking thing about that industry.

[Post edited by Bacon at 06/29/2022 09:50AM]