Sago's Aftershocks

The tragedy in Upshur County, combined with the other mine-related deaths suffered during January, show that while the economic fortunes of the state must take priority, the safety and health considerations of the workers of West Virginia cannot be forgotten. But enforcing federal and state safety regulations does not and should not mean that the economic progress will be halted. The history of employer-employee relations in West Virginia have always been played in the light of a zero-sum game. Either the employer or the employee has to win, and in winning, the other side has to lose. However, in order for West Virginia's outlook to improve, both sides must come to the realization that they need one another. The employers need the employees to make or sell their products, sell or manage their services, dig their coal or cut their lumber. This historic change needs to take place, and it can only happen if the politicians, the labor movement, the corporate and business leaders, and the employees and citizens of West Virginia themselves work together. A fantasy perhaps, but all worthwhile goals start out that way.