Patriot Coal Corp. is warning that substantial cutbacks at its two Union County mines could come in the next two months, affecting as many as 670 workers.
The federal WARN act requires major employers to give 60-day notice of closures or significant layoffs. The Gleaner reports that Patriot gave such notice Friday in respect to its Highland mine at the Union-Henderson county border, as well as the Dodge Hill complex near Sturgis.
Those mines produced approximately 3.9 million tons of coal in 2013.
The company, which emerged from bankruptcy reorganization a year ago, had earlier closed its Henderson County mines.
Union County Judge-executive Jody Jenkins says the announcement has come at the worst possible time, with the holidays approaching.
