Appalachian Workers Alliance (AWA): Statement on Blankenship Sentencing

The Appalachian Workers Alliance joins the families of the 29 miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster in their outrage over the short sentence of one year in prison received by Don Blankenship, the Massey Energy coal boss. Blankenship was convicted for his role in a “conspiracy to willfully violate mine health and safety standards,” a misdemeanor offense.

West Virginia’s coal barons have always put profit ahead of the well-being of the people. Despite this, the severity of Blankenship’s crimes led the federal prosecutors to recommend he be given the maximum possible sentence. This maximum possible sentence is a mere slap on the wrist. The lives of 29 miners are worth more than one year and a small fine of $250,000, pennies to Blankenship. Their murders are more than a misdemeanor.

Blankenship has shown no remorse for his crime. He even denies he committed one. The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster was not a senseless tragedy. It was the result of West Virginia’s coal elite caring more about their profit margin than human life. That Blankenship is able to walk away from this with his pockets only a little lighter is proof that the political establishment and their courts can’t deliver justice for West Virginia’s workers.

The Appalachian Workers Alliance fights to build a better, democratic future for our region. The Blankenships of this world shouldn’t control our destiny. We should. In this spirit, we are extending an invitation to all workers – Black, Brown, Native, White, women, LGBTQ, immigrants and the undocumented, and all others – to come join us in a show of working class power as we march on International Workers Day in Charleston. More information can be found at http://bit.ly/1NhBjFN.