braxton wright joined the picket lines after failing to reach a deal with mine owner warrior met coalew it was going to be a struggle and a fight. >> did you think in october you'd still be here? >> i did think we would get something settled before now. and it just seems to be getting worse. >> reporter: larry spencer is the union vice president involved in the negotiations. >> i would like to say this part. they might think they're going to break these people's spirit. but they're not. >> reporter: this is the first coal miner strike the town has seen in four e brookwood are demanding an increase in wages and benefits. >> i believe the labor movement in the united states is growing. but i think a lot of them are watching us, because they know if we lose this fight, they're next. >> reporter: abc news reached out to warrior met coal for comment, but the company turned down our request for interview due to the ongoing negotiations, telling abc news in part, we remain steadfast in our belief that the eight proposals given to the union are fair and equitable. warrior met coal provides so