BECKLEY -- A former mine foreman is suing Kentucky Fuel Corp. and Southern Coal Corp., alleging he was fired in retaliation for reporting an on-the-job accident to the state mining authorities.
In his complaint filed Jan. 29 in Raleigh Circuit Court, Loyd Moore Jr. claims Kentucky Fuel and Southern Coal caused him embarrassment and indignity and owe him damages.
Moore says he was employed by Southern Coal and Kentucky Fuel as a foreman. On July 13, there was allegedly an accident at a mining site. Moore claims he was required to report the incident to the state's mining authorities and, as a result, a mine inspector was sent to investigate the accident.
Southern Coal and Kentucky Fuel apparently were not aware the inspector would investigate the site and Moore failed to inform the two companies the inspector was coming.
Moore's employment with the two companies was allegedly terminated shortly thereafter.
After his termination he was apparently contacted by the two companies and said he was not fired. Moore says he showed up for work, but was only offered a job as a equipment operator, a demotion.
Moore alleges Kentucky Fuel and Southern Coal terminated his employment in retaliation for reporting the incident.
Moore is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages. He is being represented by attorney Mark A. Atkinson of the law firm Atkinson and Polak.
Raleigh Circuit Court case number 14-C-73-B