The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and the United Steelworkers (USW) expressed disappointment following the Eighth Circuit Court’s decision to deny their motion to intervene in a legal case concerning the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) silica dust rule. The lawsuit, initiated by the National Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association, aims to overturn the MSHA’s regulation.
Both unions issued a statement highlighting their concerns about the court’s decision to exclude worker voices from the proceedings. “The court’s decision to exclude the voices of workers from this case is profoundly disheartening. They are the ones whose lives are on the line, yet they are being shut out of a process that directly affects their health and their future,” read the statement.
The UMWA and USW emphasized their ongoing commitment to protecting workers from silica exposure, a substance linked to the development of severe lung diseases. They stated, “Despite this ruling, we will not stop fighting to ensure that mine workers are protected from silica exposure. Every day this rule is delayed is another day that miners are exposed to the deadly dust that causes the worst forms of black lung – an incurable disease that this rule will help to prevent.”
The unions also underscored their intent to hold those opposing worker protections accountable and urged the MSHA to prioritize miner safety. “We remain determined to hold accountable those who seek to undermine worker protections and will continue to press for full and immediate implementation of the silica rule. We sincerely hope that MSHA remembers its primary responsibility is to keep miners safe and healthy on the job and joins us in that fight sooner rather than later.”
They called for the MSHA to collaborate in efforts to enhance worker safety and health protections.
