Press Release Archives
- Teamsters at The Beverage Market Unanimously Reject Concessionary Offer
- Teamsters at Charleston/Logan WV Coca Cola Distribution Centers Reject Contract -- Strike is Looming
- Ceremony Tuesday in Barboursville to honor WV workers who died on the job
- WV AFL-CIO Re-elects Sword, Walters
- Newly formed Education West Virginia to hold press conference today
- Ceremony Monday to honor WV workers who died on the job
- Press Conference Thursday on WV Federal Employee Job Cuts
- Join a Labor Day Celebration!
- WV AFL-CIO Mourns the Passing of Former Delegate Ron Fragale
- Teamsters Overwhelmingly Reject Contract
- Join a Labor Day Celebration!
- Public Employee Representatives to Discuss Sweeping PEIA Legislation
- Workers Will Rally for Fair Treatment at Italian Opera-Themed Tecnocap Celebration
- Ceremony Thursday to honor WV workers who died on the job
- WV AFL-CIO Holds 30th Constitutional Convention
- Teamsters at Bluefield WV Coca Cola Distribution Center Reach Agreement for a New Contract Avoiding a Strike
- Union members will rally Thursday to urge Sen. Capito to support PRO Act
- Public Employees Launch Legal Challenge of Paycheck Bill
- Workers Memorial Event | Wednesday, April 28th
- Statement from West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword on Sen. Joe Manchin’s Co-Sponsorship of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act
- WV AFL-CIO: Gayle Manchin knows Appalachia
- WV AFL-CIO: Legislative leaders using COVID restrictions to shut out public
- Teamsters at AHF Products Ratify Agreement
- The WV AFL-CIO celebrates Labor Day
- Union representatives commemorate National Correctional Officers & Employees Week
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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.
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To honor West Virginia workers who died on the job – 17 were lost in 2025 – the West Virginia AFL-CIO will hold the 38th annual Workers Memorial Ceremony at noon, Tuesday, April 28, in Barboursville, WV.
Teamsters at Charleston/Logan WV Coca Cola Distribution Centers Reject Contract -- Strike is Looming
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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.
Three years ago, the parties struggled to reach an agreement in part because the Company’s insistence on transferring work from the bargaining unit to outside companies. The parties were eventually able to reach an agreement which helped protect the work. Now the Company is trying to unwind the Union’s ability to reach such agreements in the future.
“The members were very patient and worked hard to protect their work to which the Company ultimately agreed. Now the Company is attempting to back out of what was confirmed three years ago. It’s like Groundhog Day; every three years we must fight just to keep what we have. The Union worked hard to address legitimate operational issues brought up by the Company, however, its proposal to do away with work protection is punitive and only an attempt to add to its bottom line, off the back of our members. These members sent a strong message today that corporate greed will not be allowed from the members here at Coca-Cola.” – Steve Day, President, Local 175.
Local 175 represents approximately 100 Coca-Cola employees at the Charleston/Logan locations, which are under a single contract, and represents another 100 Coca-Cola employees at the Bluefield, Beckley, Parkersburg, and Clarksburg facilities.
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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.
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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.
What: Education West Virginia Press Conference
When: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Where: Education West Virginia office | 1558 Quarrier Street. Charleston, WV 25311
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WHEELING – To honor West Virginia workers who died on the job - 8 were lost in 2024 - the West Virginia AFL-CIO and three area Central Labor Councils will hold the 37th annual Workers Memorial Ceremony at noon, Monday, April 28, in Wheeling, WV.
“As we do each year, we will read the names of West Virginians who lost their lives due to workplace injury and illness, take a moment to pay tribute to them, and vow to keep fighting for the promise of safe jobs for all workers,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “So many of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths are preventable, yet workers and their families across the country pay the price for a lack of oversight with their lives and livelihoods.”
WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Andy Walters noted, “In 2024, 8 West Virginians lost their lives while on the job. They worked for coal mines, in transportation, and the public sector -- our friends and neighbors, and they should have returned home safely to their loved ones.”