Labor Appeals Verdict For Drummond In Colombian Killings

By: Associated Press | Alabama's13.com
Published: December 17, 2007

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Labor groups are appealing a verdict by a jury in Birmingham that cleared Drummond coal in the murders of three union leaders in Colombia.

The appeal claims a judge mistakenly barred the testimony of three people who could have tied the Alabama coal producer to the slayings.

The labor organizations represent relatives of the men who were killed in 2001.

Families of the dead men sued Drummond. But a jury in Birmingham rejected their claims and sided with the Alabama-based Drummond in July.

The appeal challenges decisions by U.S. District Judge Karon Bowdre. She barred testimony from three men the union says had firsthand knowledge of Drummond's links to paramilitary forces blamed for the gunshot killings.

Drummond denies having any ties to paramilitaries and says it wasn't involved in the killings.