Unable to defeat the coal miners who have been waging a two-year-long battle to win representation by the United Mine Workers of America at its Co-Op mine in Utah, the company lashed out in retaliation with a groundless suit, hoping it would intimidate the workers and their supporters and bleed them financially. The targets of the lawsuit include the UMWA, several miners, the Militant and two Utah dailies that have covered the union fight. Unionists and other workers who have endorsed the Militant Fighting Fund are doing so to lend support to the miners and the UMWA. They are also defending the right of a newspaper published in the interests of working people to report the miners’ side of the story in this union battle and to extend editorial support to the miners.

Motions to dismiss the coal bosses’ harassment case were recently filed in court by the Militant and the other two papers. A hearing on these motions is expected early this fall. The next six to eight weeks prior to the hearing offer an opportunity to reach out as broadly as possible for further backing, in the trade union movement especially. Joining in the efforts to organize solidarity in action for the striking mechanics, cleaners, and custodians at Northwest Airlines provides added openings to win support for the Militant Fighting Fund. The coming Labor Day events can also be a focal point for the next steps in this campaign.
 
 
Related articles:
Militant Fighting Fund: focus on labor support
World youth festival delegates back Utah miners’ fight for union  
 
 
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