Recruiting Hispanics for Kentucky Coal Mines Raises Debate

"It is common knowledge that the work ethic of the Eastern Kentucky worker has declined from where it once was," Mr. Bearse wrote to the state mining board. Bad attitudes and drug abuse, he argued, were affecting attendance "and, ultimately, productivity."

Mr. Bearse's appeal to the board: Relax an English-only policy in the mines so he could bring in Hispanic workers.

American companies often say they need migrant workers to do low-paying, menial tasks that many Americans will not. But at $18 an hour and up, plus benefits, mining jobs are some of Appalachia's best.
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But Tim Miller, a United Mine Workers union organizer.....said there were 1,400 laid-off union miners in Western Kentucky alone who could go to work today. He echoed the sentiments of many who believe the industry was simply hoping to exploit Hispanics and drive down wages.

"They want people who don't have the ability to protect themselves," Mr. Miller said. "If they can flood the market with Hispanic workers, if they can get away with paying a guy $8 an hour, the next guy will be willing to work for $7."

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