LDS newspaper headline: "Were union miners kicked out of the rescue effort?" (Deseret News) [View All]

"The mine management, at that time, asked our people to get off their mine property. I assume it's because we're United Mine Workers," local union vice president Mike Dalpiaz told KSL Radio. "We have no intention to organize their coal mine, we don't want to organize their coal mine. We have a tragedy and all we're trying to do is help a fellow miner out."

(snip)

"The Deer Creek Mine rescue team (the union crew--BAL comment) is probably the best mine rescue team west of the Mississippi," he (Dalpiaz) said. "It's my understanding they were told they appreciated their help, and they had it under control."

(snip)

Murray said there had been 12 rescue teams on site, but seven were told their services wouldn't be needed because most of the work needing to be done can be done best by personnel who work at the mine. The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration has said the other rescue teams are still available to go underground.

Murray has clashed with unions in the past. At recent news conferences, he (Murray) has taken shots at union "lackeys," accusing them of spreading misinformation. He has also accused the United Mine Workers of America of trying to unionize his nonunion mine.