Family sues Eastern Associated Coal for wrongful termination

MORGANTOWN -- A man and his family are suing Eastern Associated Coal after he was wrongfully terminated from his employment.

Patriot Coal Corporation, Joseph B. "Blair" McGill and John Doe(s) were also named as defendants in the suit.

John Renner was employed by Eastern Associated Coal until his employment was terminated by letter on Feb. 2, 2010, according to a complaint filed Jan. 20 in Monongalia Circuit Court.

Renner claims throughout his employment, he worked at the Federal No. 2 Mine.

In the Federal No. 2 Mine, the defendants engaged in various illegal mining practices, according to the suit.

Renner claims he was continually ordered and pressured by mine management to manipulate and falsify mine seal inspections.

On Jan. 24, 2010, Renner wrecked his jeep prior to completing his seal inspections and was instructed by the defendants to lie to investigators and state that he had completed the inspections when he had not, according to the suit.

Renner claims on Jan. 28 and 29, 2010, he provided truthful information about the jeep incident to state and federal mine safety investigators and also notified the investigators of the illegal conduct that had been occurring at the mine.

The defendants then unlawfully terminated Renner's employment, according to the suit.

Renner, his wife, Patty Renner; and their children, Travis Renner, Matthew Renner and Coby Renner, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are being represented by Paul R. Cranston.

Monongalia Circuit Court case number: 12-C-27