“„The UMWA has been one of Massey’s fiercest critics since the explosion at Massey’s Upper Big Branch mine last month, the worst coal mining disaster in 40 years. The union, which has lost organizing elections at the company’s mines in recent years, has long had an antagonistic relationship with Massey. The union represents some Massey employees who work at coal preparation plants.
“„Prior to the protests, a Massey spokeswoman said, “We respect the right of those with a narrow political agenda to express their views.”