Alabama coal miners begin their 20th month on strike Alabama coal miners begin their 20th month on strike - Download - Transcript Hundreds of coal miners in Brookwood, Ala., reached a milestone Thursday: They've spent 20 months on strike.They have continued demanding their employer, Warrior Met Coal, restore the pay and benefits that were cut in 2016 as a cost-saving measure to keep the mines from shutting down."Every old coal miner tells you that you prepare for the next day because you don't know what to expect for that next day," said Antwon McGhee, a striking Alabama coal miner.Community stands behind the strikers, offering donations and jobs Locals also are helping the miners out, whether by keeping the local food pantry stocked, providing backpacks for school or toys as Christmas approaches."The economy has been in their favor," said Greg Freehling, a Michigan State University adjunct professor who used to be the director of labor relations for the aluminum maker Arconic."