The 444 workers at the Willow Lake Mine in Equality, Ill., voted last week to be represented by the Mine Workers (UMWA).

The mine is operated by Peabody Energy. Last year, a Willow Lake worker was killed in July after being struck by a shuttle car used to haul coal underground. Since late 2008 , Peabody Energy has been fined $230,000 for violations at the Willow Lake Mine.

UMWA President Cecil Roberts said:

These courageous miners sought us out in their struggle to gain a strong voice at work. We look forward to sitting down with the company to negotiate a fair and equitable collective bargaining agreement as soon as possible.