Ex-Patriot workers begin applying for jobs with Blackhawk

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Former Patriot Coal workers have begun applying for jobs with Blackhawk Mining.

Lexington, Kentucky-based Blackhawk will take over six of Patriot’s mining complexes in West Virginia later this week. Blackhawk was the winning bidder for the majority of Patriot’s assets.

Blackhawk began the rehiring process on Monday at the Charleston Civic Center. Blackhawk vice president Jesse Parrish told The Charleston Gazette-Mail (http://bit.ly/1MQwdit ) that the company expects to rehire about 1,400 former Patriot employees.

Parrish says the company hopes to resume mining at the West Virginia mines as soon as possible.

Miner Mark Watts said he was told that his hours would be reduced, and that a pay cut also is expected.

Scott Depot-based Patriot filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 12.

 

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