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State House resolution recognizes importance of mining to industrial revolution

July 30, 2009

Pa. designates Aug. 9 Coal Miners Day

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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The state legislature has approved a resolution designating Aug. 9 as Coal Miners Day to honor those 51,514 Pennsylvania coal miners who died on the job since 1870.

State Rep. Ed Staback, D-Eynon, authored the resolution and three Luzerne County legislators – Phyllis Mundy, John Yudichak and Karen Boback – have signed on as co-sponsors.

Gov. Ed Rendell has issued a gubernatorial proclamation in support of the celebration that pays tribute to all Pennsylvania coal miners.

“For me and others like me who had a family member who worked in the mines, this day will serve as a reminder of a life of work that was tough and dangerous, but a job that laid the foundation for the growth of this region,” Staback said.

In the resolution, which unanimously passed, the General Assembly recognizes the significance of coal mining to the history and vitality of the commonwealth and its economy. It also recognizes that mining is safer today because “the industry, its miners and government are working together to make the safety of miners the highest priority, thereby significantly reducing the frequency of accidents and fatalities.”

The resolution states that part of the day on Aug. 9, “should be set aside for quiet contemplation to honor those brave miners.”

Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, said he is a proud grandson and son of coal miners.

“I appreciate the legacy of those brave souls who descended into anthracite mines to labor under unimaginable conditions to provide for their families’ chance at the American dream,” Yudichak said. “Having lived most of my life in the shadow of the Avondale Mine disaster site, in Plymouth Township, I have a deep and abiding respect for the sacrifices made by our region’s coal miners.”

Mundy, D-Kingston, said establishing a Coal Miners Day was something she and other legislators have been pushing for a long time.

“I truly cannot understand why coal miners who sacrificed so much haven’t been able to receive this recognition to date,” Mundy said. “Coal miners fueled the industrial revolution. Many worked as young boys in horrific conditions. Many lost their lives. They and their families deserve this day in recognition of their work and sacrifice.”

Boback, R-Harveys Lake, said she signed on to support H.R. 317 back in May.

“I believe we owe a great debt to the men and women who have risked their lives in the coal mines,” Boback said. “Pennsylvania is known as a coal state, and we rely on the resource for many of our energy needs. We can say that coal helped to make Pennsylvania prosperous, but really it is the men and women who spent long, hot, dangerous days in the coal mines that helped this commonwealth to flourish. Those men and women deserve recognition, and even in the midst of this budget crisis, we cannot forget their sacrifices.”

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.

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