I just stumbled across an interesting fact-- which seems especially pertinent since we are showing a new exhibition at the Library on "Virginia's Coal Towns." On this day (April 5th) in 1989, the strike against Pittston Coal Company began. Coal miners in Virginia began a successful, year-long strike against Pittston Coal Company. During the strike, at least 3,000 were arrested in peaceful sit-ins, and another 40,000 miners joined in sympathy strikes. The strike, which had started over retiree benefits, was settled only with federal intervention. Melinda Skinner <[log in to unmask]> Annual Fund Director Library of Virginia Foundation 800 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219-8000 http://www.lva.lib.va.us Voice - (804) 692-3591 FAX- (804) 692-3812 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html