Layoffs rescinded at Southern Illinois coal mine

GALATIA, Ill. -- Workers at the Galatia mine in Saline County in Southern Illinois have gotten some good news.

Company officials said layoffs have been averted at the coal mine owned by the Ohio-based American Coal Co.

Last month, more than 800 employees were notified that layoffs could begin June 4. Company president Robert E. Murray said at the time that the layoff notices were required by federal law and didn't necessarily mean they would happen.

It turns out they won't because Murray announced Friday the layoff notices had been rescinded. Murray credited the turnaround to the "hard work and dedication" of the Galatia miners.

Layoffs had been possible because of unanticipated problems at the Millenium Portal, a new mine southwest of the original mine site, that had slowed down operations.

Employees found out Friday that their jobs were saved thanks to "good employees working hard against the clock," said company spokesman Steven Cohen.