Protesters, divisive vote expected for Massey annual shareholder meeting in Virginia

Protesters expected for Massey annual meeting

RICHMOND, Va. — Shareholders for Massey Energy are scheduled to vote on three directors among other things at the troubled coal company’s annual meeting Tuesday in Virginia.

The meeting comes six weeks after 29 men died in an explosion at Massey’s Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia. The blast is the nation’s worst coal mining disaster in 40 years and has prompted an outpouring of criticism of Massey.

That has spread among Massey shareholders as well. They’re being urged by fellow investors to vote against three incumbent board members in response to the explosion.

Environmental groups and the United Mine Workers union are expected to protest outside the meeting in downtown Richmond.