Replies

Probably not. However the issue is the fact that motorcycles are licensed and regulated motor vehicles just like cars, trucks and SUV's. An owner pays taxes on it, pays for a tag, pays insurance and must follow the same traffic regulations of any other vehicle. If it's fine to deny health benefits for operators of one type of motor vehicle then it should apply in kind to those who operate other motor vehicles regardless if it has two wheels or four.

I can appreciate the "If you don't like the policy then get another job" sentiment (BTW I don't work for this Co. and I don't even live in Illinois). However this is an isssue when one group of motor vehicle operators is being singled out for punishment because they choose to operate motorcycles. After all it is the State which has the power to license and regulate motor vehicles and in all 50 States motorcycles are equivalent regulatory-wise to four-wheeled vehicles. Therefore it's the American Coal company that has erred here, not the State or the riders.