HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Multiple politicians have visited out of work Blackjewel miners who have blocked the train tracks out of protest. Governor Bevin came to the tracks in Cumberland and showed his support, as did Ret. Lt. Col. Amy McGrath and Attorney General Andy Beshear. President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have both also expressed their support.
The protests have been going on since late July. Miners whose last paycheck bounced when Blackjewel declared bankruptcy have blocked the tracks to prevent coal trains from passing. Politicians from both parties have shown their support in different ways.
According to WMMT, a local radio station, Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders's campaign staff sent 18 Pizza Hut pizza to the miners.
It’s day 18 of the miners protest in Harlan County, KY. The @BernieSanders campaign sent 18 boxes of pizza. pic.twitter.com/VLbmbx6Ey9
— Sydney Boles (@sydneyboles) August 16, 2019
The miners say they will protest and block the tracks until they are paid.
