Most of the coal we burn in Massachusetts – including the coal burned at the Mount Tom power station in Holyoke – comes from Colombia. So we have a very real connection to the miners at La Preciosa coal mine in Sardinata, Colombia, where an explosion has claimed twenty-one lives.

I am trying to identify workers’ organizations that we in Massachusetts can work with to support the injured miners and bereaved families. So far I’ve contacted the United Mineworkers of America, Justice for Colombia, and the Colombian branch of the International Labor Organization. As soon as I have any news I’ll post it.

In the meantime, if you know of any other organizations likely to have on-the-ground links to the community near La Preciosa, please tell me (peter@petervickery.com) and I’ll help spread the word.

The struggle of the coal-miners of Colombia is intimately bound up with our campaign for climate justice. Let’s show some real solidarity.