Casey is Chairman of Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety, Exercises Oversight Of Mine Safety Agency
Washington DC- As the Department of Labor announces plans to consolidate federal mine safety offices in Wilkes-Barre and Frackville, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced that he has sent a letter to the Department of Labor calling on the agency to outline how it will continue protect mine safety and how the jobs at these two facilities will be impacted in the wake of these proposed consolidations.
“Miners take on incredible risks to perform their jobs, and it’s incumbent upon the Department of Labor to ensure the resources are there to keep miners safe,” Senator Casey said. “I’m urging the Department of Labor to provide a detailed analysis of how this proposal will impact the safety of mineworkers across the state.”
Recently, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) made a request to consolidate offices in Wilkes-Barre and Frackville. Under the proposal the Wilkes-Barre office would close. Casey’s letter, which can be viewed in full below, calls on the Department of Labor to detail its plan to continue to protect miner safety in the wake of the closures and jobs in the region.
Joseph A. Main
Assistant Secretary of Labor For
Mine Safety and Health
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20210
Dear Assistant Secretary Main,
I’m writing regarding the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) request to reorganize the District 1 and 2 Coal Mine Safety and Health offices by consolidating the Wilkes-Barre, PA field office with the Frackville, PA office and the subsequent approval of the proposed reorganization by Assistant Secretary of Administration and Management T. Michael Kerr.
I have some serious concerns about what the District 1 and 2 reorganization proposal means for the safety and oversight of those currently working in these two districts and how MSHA plans to provide the same oversight with fewer resources and less staff.
I’m well aware of the unfortunate reduction of underground mining in the Commonwealth’s anthracite coal fields over the past few years and I understand MSHA’s efforts to realign their resources accordingly. Know that I’m committed to ensuring that any efforts to relocate MSHA offices and create efficiencies within the government don’t come at the sole expense of my constituents’ safety.
As MSHA implements this reorganization over the next year I’m requesting you keep my staff and me up-to-date on:
- How does MSHA plan to maintain a sufficient level and oversight in the former District 1 region after consolidation?
- Please describe how MSHA will create a seamless transition for those currently employed in the eleven positions that will be moved or abolished during this consolidation.
- I would like a report on the current position of those working the eleven positions set to be abolished or moved six months after the May 31st 2014 closing of the Wilkes-Barre field office.
Sincerely,
Senator Robert Casey Jr.
Chairman
Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety
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