[Hoot Gibson]

work for island creek and wolf creek both union but when they are all gone it's going to be tough

Island Creek has been gone for years. In eastern Kentucky, Island Creek became non-competitive with their UMWA company mines in the early to mid-70s. They tried to operate the Big Creek mines with union labor, and they finally had to throw in the towel and close them. Companies like Massey and James River ate their lunch because Island Creen was saddled with UMWA obligations.