Retirement and healthcare funds run by the United Mine Workers of America currently support about 120,000 former miners and their families nationwide, but account balances have dwindled amid continued layoffs and bankruptcy filings as the coal industry struggles against competition from cheaper natural gas and tightening environmental regulations. Without intervention, some of the funds could run out of cash by next year, the union says.
The following are pension beneficiaries for selected states:
- West Virginia 27,391
- Pennsylvania 12,951
- Kentucky 9,511
- Illinois 8,807
- Virginia 7,507
- Alabama 6,075
- Ohio 5,810
- Indiana 2,848
Source: United Mine Workers of America