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Mine Shutdown During Romney Event Under Scrutiny

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A union is asking Ohio and federal labor officials to investigate whether a company violated wage and hour laws when it shuttered its coal mine to host a campaign event for Republican Mitt Romney.

Murray Energy Corp. said it closed its mine in Monroe County for one shift during the Aug. 14 event to ensure the site's security. Coal workers were not paid while the Beallsville mine was closed.

Service Employees International Union, District 1199, on Wednesday criticized comments the company's chief financial officer made to a radio station.

Robert Moore told the station following the event that managers communicated to employees that attendance at Romney's event was mandatory, though he said repeatedly no one was forced to go.