Officials with Jim Walter Resources, a subsidiary of Walter Energy and the United Mine Workers of America signed a new five and one half year collective bargaining agreement today. The contract covers a period starting July 1st 2011, through December 31st 2016 and includes wage and benefit increases. The new contract will provide a stable workforce at Jim Walter Resources’ three underground mines in Tuscaloosa and Fayette Counties.

Mr Cecil E Roberts UMWA International president said that “This agreement is substantially similar to the National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreement the UMWA has already agreed to with the Bituminous Coal Operators Association, Patriot Coal, Alpha Natural Resources and other coal operators.”

He added that “I am pleased that we were able to reach a reasonable agreement with the company that is fair for both sides, and I commend International District 20 Vice President Daryl Dewberry for his hard work in getting this agreement with the company."