Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Charleston, Apr 27, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The families of the coal miners who died on Apr 5 in the West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion will receive benefits from the owner of the coal mine as a compensation for the loss that they have suffered. The company has promised to provide the widow of the 29 dead miners with full income, healthcare along with education and childcare. The announcement was made on Monday by the CEO and Chairman of Massey Energy Company Don Blankenship at the Charleston Civic Center.

The Massey Energy Company is providing the compensation to the families without asking the latter to go through any kind of legal settlement. According to the declaration made by the CEO, the beneficiaries of the miners will get a hefty amount as an insurance benefit which will be according to reports five times that of the miner’s annual income. The annual incomes of the miners were $69,000 reportedly. The widows will receive from the company a monthly payment; however the payment will be provided only if she remains a widow. According to the declaration made, if the widow decides to marry again the benefits will be withdrawn. Health Insurance polices will be provided to the widow for 20 years and that to the children for 19 years or 24 years if the children are in school.

Robert Foglesong, one of the company directors, told that though the company will not be able to decrease the families grief in any way, but can help them that their time of distress by providing some kind of financial security for the rest of their life. Robert Foglesong said that the compensation package is “unprecedented”.