CUMBERLAND, Ky. (LEX 18) — The Blackjewel protest and miner camp-out continues in Harlan County.
The miners were surprised by a special guest on Saturday night on the railroad tracks, Governor Matt Bevin.
Fresh off his Fancy Farm speech on the other side of the state, the governor spent time working the crowd and said he was on their side.
About 150 people, including Travis Ellis, were there when Governor Bevin showed up.
"He prayed there and then told everybody he stood up for them and was doing what was right. We worked and can't work a man and not pay him," said Ellis.
Since last Monday, out-of-work miners have camped out on the train tracks, hoping to make noise, and get their final paychecks cashed.
Bevin's Democratic opponent in the governor's race, Attorney General Andy Beshear, visited with the miners in Harlan County a couple of weeks ago before the protest started.
He spoke to our Mike Valente at Fancy Feast on Saturday.
"We have learned that Matt Bevin's labor cabinet secretary failed to secure a bond that would have paid them for those weeks that they have not been paid. There is no excuse for that," said Beshear.
The miners have not strayed from the tracks for more than six days. Travis Ellis said they even had church services this morning on site.
He says they are thankful for the continued support as they try to get answers from Blackjewel.
