A lawyer for the United Mine Workers of America on Friday told a bankruptcy judge that it would be forced to strike if Patriot Coal Corp. succeeds in voiding its contract with the union, Reuters reported on Friday. Attorney Fred Perillo said that the union would do everything in its power to reach a consensual agreement with Patriot, which is seeking to impose $150 million a year in labor cuts. But if Bankruptcy Judge Kathy Surratt-States approves the proposal, which would end pension contributions, alter health care and lower pay rates, Perillo said a strike will follow.
