PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — The miner protests in Pike County came to an end Wednesday as the workers confirmed to LEX 18 that they have been paid in full for their labor.
Workers for Quest Energy blocked the train tracks in the Johns Creek area of Pike County after many had gone several days without pay.
LEX 18's Mike Valente reached out to American Resources Corporation, who owns Quest Energy regarding the end of the protest, but the company has not responded.
In a previous statement, ARC accused the miners in a statement Tuesday of "spreading lies" and holding the coal for ransom.
When LEX 18 asked for comment on earlier reports of the miners not receiving pay, the company released a statement which said in part, "Answering your other questions don’t really help us as it appears the media is just painting us with a negative brush despite we provide jobs for people in a tough industry."
Following the beginning of the protests, some miners said they had been paid in part what they had been owed. Wednesday night, they received the rest of their earnings.
"Through our various companies we have employed people in the area for over 13 years and proud of the fact that we have paid over $100 of million in payroll to the eastern Kentucky community over the last 10 years. We desire to continue to fight for the people of eastern Kentucky, the 98% of our work force," ARC wrote.
