Unidentified sources told West Virginia Public Broadcasting that administrative consultant West Virginia Mine Power told 110 workers they were being furloughed while another five were fired.

The source said none of the 115 were given notice of the action.

The news outlet said the firm implied that issues tied to federal safety regulation compliance were at the root of the decision.

Additionally, a K order to suspend operations, normally issued after an accident that threatens miner safety, was reportedly handed down to the mine operator last week.

An ILN request for more information on that order from the US Mine Safety and Health Administration was not returned by press time.

Under a 1988 federal regulation, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, employers of more than 100 planning layoffs must provide sufficient notice, typically more than 60 days.

WVMP told West Virginia Public Broadcasting that it was working on a plan to return the 100 laid-off workers to their posts within six months. However, reinstatement would hinge largely on the market.

The consultant did not provide further public comment on the idle or furloughs.