TEAMSTERS KICK OFF PUBLIC DISPUTE WITH THE BEVERAGE MARKET
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Teamsters Local 175 launched a billboard campaign across several counties in West Virginia to publicize its dispute with The Beverage Market public. The billboards read “Tell Miller: Destroying West Virginia Jobs is Tasteless” (see below)
Additionally, members along with other volunteers will be distributing fliers at the Foam at the Dome event, of which The Beverage Market is one of the sponsors, today in Charleston.
Critical Union Vote Sunday
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Members of the media are invited to attend a critical meeting Sunday, when members of Teamsters Union Local 175 will vote on whether to accept or reject concessions demanded by The Beverage Market, a company that distributes brands such as Miller, Coors, Modelo, and Red Bull, among others.
Celebrate Working People This Weekend!
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As West Virginians enjoy spending time with family and friends this Labor Day weekend, the West Virginia AFL-CIO invites residents to attend one of the many parades and events honoring the achievements of America’s working people.
“Labor Day is a day to celebrate ALL of us, in every sector of the economy. Our story is the story of America’s workers,” said West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword. “This Workers’ Labor Day, working people from every walk of life and every corner of America are speaking up about what we need to get ahead, build a secure future, and exercise our fundamental freedoms.”
WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Andy Walters noted that once again, national approval of labor unions continues to rise. According to a Gallup Poll released this week, this is the fifth consecutive year that approval of organized labor has been in the 67% to 71% range, a level last reached in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
“There is an undeniable energy across this country, and it’s driving historic organizing—more than ever in our lifetimes,” Walters said. “In hospitals, on college campuses, in restaurants, workers are taking on massive corporations like Starbucks, Amazon, Disney and Sony. They’re winning first-in-the-nation contracts, and the momentum is only building across the political spectrum.”
The following are Labor Day events taking place this weekend:
Marion County AFL-CIO & UMWA Labor Day Celebration and Picnic
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, noon to 4 p.m.
Hough Park, Mannington WV
Special Guest: UMWA President Cecil Roberts
Contact: Mark Dorsey, 304-777-7642,
Celebration of Labor 2025 at GoMart BallPark
Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, 3:04 p.m., gates open at 2:00
601 Morris St., Charleston WV
Free tickets for union members and their families
A tailgate/cookout will be held from noon-2 p.m., 600 Leon Sullivan Way for union members & families
Contact: Fred Chandler, 304-561-4857,
Tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Wvaflcio2025
United Mine Workers of America 87th Annual Labor Day Celebration & Picnic
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at 11 a.m.
John Slack Memorial Park, Racine, WV
Contact: Brian Lacy, 304-541-3948,
Paden City Labor Day Parade – Marshall-Wetzel-Tyler, AFL-CIO, a participant
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, 1 p.m. (noon lineup at South End of town)
Free Live Concerts at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
Contact: BB Smith, 304-545-7781,
*Note: Additional entertainment will be provided Saturday through Sunday starting at 2 p.m. at Paden City Park.
Marmet City Labor Day Parade – Kanawha Valley Labor Council, AFL-CIO, a participant
Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. Meet 9:15 a.m. at old Woody’s Goodies Store location
Wear your union apparel and bring your union banners
Contact: Elaine Harris, 304-541-7293,
A Statement on the Passing of Former Delegate Doug Skaff
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The West Virginia AFL-CIO extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of former Delegate Doug Skaff.
“As both a tireless lawmaker and solid member of the West Virginia business community, Doug was a tried and true advocate for West Virginia working families who, regardless of partisan battles, never lost sight of the importance of treating all people with fairness and consideration,” WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “We are shocked and extremely saddened to hear of his tragic passing, and are keeping his wife, children and all who loved him in our prayers.”
WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Andy Walters said Doug will be remembered for his easy-going nature and wit. “It’s not easy to stay level-headed in the world of politics, but Doug always kept his focus on community and family, and was a grounded, kind individual who will be greatly missed,” Walters said.
Press Conference Wednesday Regarding Broadband Expansion Kickoff
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CHARLESTON – West Virginia members of the Communications Workers of America will hold a press conference 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, to discuss the urgent need to begin a massive, $1.2 billion broadband expansion program that has been unjustly delayed.
“Thousands of West Virginians stand to benefit from critically needed connectivity, and this broadband project is all ready to go, but for some reason, everything is at a standstill,” noted Elaine Harris, CWA International Staff Representative - District 2-13. “This is too important to every aspect of our lives – our economy, educational system,health care availability, just general quality of life -- to be stalled.”
State and county commission representatives, including local officials whose areas would be affected, will join union members and others to talk about the need for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which was only six weeks away from federal approval when it was stopped earlier this year.
- WHAT: Press conference on the delay of the BEAD connectivity expansion program
- WHEN: 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2025
- WHERE: Lower rotunda of the State Capitol Building (ground floor)
We are a group of more than 575 affiliated unions joined together for the common cause of fairness for all workers.
The future of the working men and women of America depends on a strong, united labor movement. The strength of that movement is in our numbers: thousands of men and women united, striving for the same common goals
- fairness, justice, and equality in the workplace.
