PBS Coals lays off 134 workers

FRIEDENS, Pa. (AP) -- A western Pennsylvania coal company has laid off 134 employees.

PBS Coals, a Friedens-based mining company providing metallurgical and steam coals, says the layoffs took effect Friday. That's about 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

PBS general counsel Lori J. Mason says the layoffs are company-wide, including administration. The layoffs are permanent but Mason says jobs may open up for those who have been laid off.

PBS Coals laid off 138 workers in December, but 50 of those workers were later brought back to work.

The company had about 1,000 employees a year ago, but is now down to 552.