Recently released reports uncovered a huge failure at the federal agency in charge of mine safety.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) failed to fine more than 4,000 safety & health violations over the last six years for mines that broke regulations.
Richard Stickler, the man responsible for mine safety in this country, used to be a coal mining manager and executive. President Bush twice bypassed the Senate to appoint Stickler, despite loud protests from anyone familiar with his egregiously anti-safety record.
It's time the safety of America's workers came first! Sign the letter to Mr. Stickler below and add your ideas on how he can do his job.
Dear Asst. Secretary Stickler,
I'm outraged by recent reports that the Mine Safety and Health Administration failed to fine for more than 4,000 penalties over the last six years for mines that violated safety and health regulations.
This is an affront to workers who put their lives at risk every day. I have some suggestions for how Mr. Stickler can improve his job performance at MSHA:
- Enforce new mine safety rules as required by Congress
- Fine companies that break the law - all 4,000 incidents and counting - and prosecute those who don't pay
- Push for better safety and health regulations and enforcement
- Give miners a say in workplace safety by making it easier for them to form unions
- Think like a miner, not a mine executive.
- Listen to the miners when it comes to developing better safety regulations, not the companies
[Your comment here]
Please do what's right for hardworking men and women in our country's mines.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
