Union mines are safer

John Nichols at The Nation reports:

Writing in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette several years ago, former Pennsylvania Center for the Study of Labor Relations director Charles McCollester made the essential point: "There's no question that union mines are safer."

"Critically, workers in a union mine are not afraid to speak," explained McCollester. "In a non-union operation, asking questions or challenging company mining practices or safety procedures can lead to termination."

Brad Johnson at The Wonk Room elaborates (while noting some idiocy from Rush Limbaugh):

Union mines have a significantly better safety record than non-union mines especially for major disasters, as union miners can refuse unsafe work and report dangerous conditions without fear of retaliation. In addition to preventing Blankenship-style intimidation, the proposed Employee Free Choice Act would increase whistleblower protections for non-union and union workers alike. Under Blankenship’s direction, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Mining Association have spent millions to oppose passage of such legislation for worker rights, comparing it to a “firestorm bordering on Armageddon.”