Who We Are
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 West Virginia AFL-CIO was created by a convention held in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1957, and was chartered by and affiliated with the national AFL-CIO.
At that point, union workers in West Virginia became part of a vast number of union workers from across the nation — now numbering more than 12.2 million.
Our Seal
The West Virginia AFL-CIO is the first State Federation to add a woman's hand to its logo — the hand descending from the top.
This is the legacy of President Emeritus Joe Powell, who felt our logo should reflect the diversity of West Virginia's membership. The idea originated in the North Central WV Labor Council with the late Mary Messenger.
Our Mission
A threefold purpose
Protect workers' rights
Work in the legislative environment to seek recognition and protection of workers' rights under the law, including electing good candidates who will make laws that enhance and protect those rights.
Serve our communities
Provide community services for those in temporary need: food banks, blood drives, relief from natural disasters like the Great Flood of 1985, and counseling for personal hardships.
Champion union people
Improve the public's understanding of who union people are, and build a positive attitude toward labor unions and union members.