In an interview with Radio Labour, USW National Director Ken Neumann reflects on what was one of the most pivotal moments during his time working for the union – the Westray mine disaster in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.
The union had been working with the coal miners to form a union, when on May 9, 1992 a massive methane gas explosion killed 26 workers, injuring many others.
Neumann talked about the union’s commitment to fighting for the Westray law, and later its enforcement. He also discussed the ongoing scourge of industrial accidents, which kill 1,000 workers every single year.