Press Releases

Approximately 50 members of Teamster Local 175 employed by The Beverage Market voted unanimously today to reject the company’s concessionary proposals and authorize a strike. The Contract is currently expired.  

After weeks of bargaining, union members came to the table prepared to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement. Instead, The Beverage Market wants the employees to accept concessions in just about every aspect of their job – including wages, insurance, and retirement.  These concessions are being requested despite specifically stating the business is not in financial hardship. 

To honor West Virginia workers who died on the job – 17 were lost in 2025 – the West Virginia AFL-CIO will hold the 38^th annual Workers Memorial Ceremony at noon, Tuesday, April 28, in Barboursville, WV.

After many hours of negotiation, Teamsters Local 175 members employed by Coca Cola Consolidated at the Charleston/Logan facilities in West Virginia voted today by 96% to reject the company’s final offer for settlement of a new contract and authorize a strike. The contract expires on April 26, 2026.

West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword and Secretary-Treasurer Andy Walters were unanimously re-elected this week to four-year terms during the organization’s 31st Constitutional Convention in Charleston.

“I can’t describe how honored I am that West Virginia’s labor leaders continue to support my work as president of this great organization,” Sword said. “Unions and their members are on the front line, serving their local communities in many capacities every day, and because of that, lives are better for all workers and their families.”

Walters said he too is grateful to once again be chosen to carry on the WV AFL-CIO’s mission of advocating for worker rights.

The co-presidents of the state's newest labor union will host a press conference to discuss the historic merger of AFT-West Virginia and the West Virginia Education Association, which became official on September 1st, and the next steps for the organization. WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword will also speak.