AP reported that Hundreds of miners who lost jobs after Massey Energy bought a West Virginia mine have settled an age discrimination lawsuit against the Richmond Va based coal producer.

A hearing to approve the deal is scheduled for Friday before Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Paul Blake Jr.

Massey said that in a regulatory filing the deal covers 229 miners, including 82 the company has been ordered to rehire by the National Labor Relations Board and a federal court. The company is appealing those rulings, which say Massey discriminated against United Mine Workers members at a bankrupt eastern Kanawha County mine acquired in 2004. It expects insurance to pay most of the settlement, except USD 1 million deductible and payroll taxes for back pay included in the deal.

(Sourced from Associated Press)