I keep hearing about Peabody Coal and a bankruptcy hearing in St. Louis for its spin-off company Patriot Coal, but I have questions about Peabody Coal and its relationship to the United Mine Workers of America.

How can a bankruptcy court in St. Louis allow a company to break contract promises to this union and its members when Peabody does not even have a mine in St. Louis or Missouri? All of these coal mines are in Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia. This case should be heard in one of these states and the federal court in St. Louis should wash its hands of this case.

Furthermore, I do not believe the Police Benevolent Association officers of St. Louis are union members who should be supporting the UMWA union members not arresting them for protesting at Peabody Coal. Step back and hope other unions support the PBA when they need support. After all Peabody I am sure promised these people their retirement benefits in writing and are now trying to weasel out of their promises.

James J. Harrigan

Cahokia