United Mine Workers of America International President Cecil E. Roberts issued a statement Saturday in response to Friday’s layoffs at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. He said it’s “not just an attack on jobs,” but it’s an “attack on the very foundation of worker safety” in the US. Taking down the Respiratory Disease Division eliminates the group that defends workers against black lung disease and other respiratory risks that come with mining. The division is responsible for developing life-saving coal dust and silica monitors. Roberts vowed the UMWA will continue to fight until the programs are restored.