USW International President Leo W. Gerard today said: "With the heaviest of hearts, I offer my condolences on behalf of the 1.2 million USW members and retirees to those families suffering as a result of the Upper Big Branch mine explosion. We add our voices to the growing chorus of workers in support of our brothers and sisters in the United Mineworkers of America (UMWA) and all workers while we fight to make our workplaces safer for everyone."

Click here for more of the statement on the mine tragedy.