On behalf of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), attorney Richard Rosenblatt presented evidence rebutting the company’s claims. Co-Op managers alleged that the large numbers of relatives of the mine owners and supervisors who are members of the Kingston family and are on the company’s payroll should be allowed to vote in the election. The Kingstons own the Co-Op mine. Among the witnesses were Ronald Barton, a criminal investigator for the Utah attorney general, and LuAnn Kingston Cooper.

Representatives of the company “union,” the International Association of United Workers Union (IAUWU), an outfit recognized by the NLRB more than 20 years ago, were also present to reinforce the bosses’ allegations. The Co-Op miners say the IAUWU does not represent them. The company outfit claims to have more than 100 members—including supervisors, and managerial and office clerical employees. In their big majority they are close relatives of the Kingston family, miners report.

The UMWA lawyer called on witnesses who presented evidence supporting the argument that the relatives of the Kingston family employed in the mine derive benefits none of the other miners do, and their direct connection to the owners of the mine represent a “conflict of loyalty.”

Rosenblatt also rejected the notion that the company union is a labor organization under the National Labor Relations Act and informed Brandt that the UMWA reserves the right “to litigate the labor organization status.”

Co-Op miners and retired miners in the area who are stalwart supporters of the UMWA-organizing struggle attended the public hearing. Members of the Kingston family were also present.

The hearing was completed a day earlier than originally scheduled. The contending sides have an August 4 deadline to submit briefs to the NLRB regional director in Denver before a decision is rendered.

—R.C. & J.B.