Railroads unfazed by coal strike threat

Railroad and utility firms do not seem to be bothered by last-minute contract negotiations between the United Mine Workers (UMW) Union and coal-producing members of the Bituminous Coal Operators Assn. The relaxed attitude on the part of coal consumers is based on indications that the threat of a UMW strike seems remote. Previously, railroad firms usually lay off workers and utilities stock up on inventories of coal during contract negotiations between the two parties.