Chevron's McKinley Mine laying off employees
Coal no longer a hot commodity

An employees' time card deposit box marks the entrance of the Chevron Mining Company's McKinley Mine near Window Rock Thursday. — © 2009 Gallup Independent / Cable Hoover

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Bernie Dotson
Staff writer

GALLUP — Chevron Mining Inc. announced that Dec. 18 was the final day of work for 61 union employees at its McKinley Mine, just outside Gallup. In addition, 10 salaried positions have been eliminated, with the majority of affected employees leaving at the end of the month, the company said.

Started in 1962, the coal mine is southeast of Window Rock and about 25 miles northwest of Gallup. One reason behind the layoffs is the decreased demand for coal, said Margaret Lejuste, public and government affairs manager at Chevron.

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