Press Release Archives

The West Virginia AFL-CIO is currently exploring legal options in response to West Virginia Radio Corporation’s decision to pull three paid radio advertisements providing facts surrounding the so-called “Right to Work” law being touted by the legislative leadership.

“Since West Virginia Radio Corporation’s choice to pull our ‘Right to Work’ is Wrong for West Virginia ads off the air without explanation was mentioned in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, we’ve received a lot of questions,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue said. “I am at a loss to explain it, but absent any response from the company other than a one-sentence email that said the ads are ‘inflammatory,’ I have to assume the decision was handed down by top management of the West Virginia Radio Corporation, which is headed by Chairman John Raese, a wealthy Republican politician who has long advocated for a ‘Right to Work’ law.”

The following is a statement from West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue regarding the jury verdict in the case of Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship:

“For far too long, West Virginia workers have suffered at the hands of careless employers who are more concerned about making money than they are about the safety and well being of their employees. Don Blankenship’s conviction of conspiring to violate mine safety regulations sends a powerful message to corporate CEOs that they will be held accountable for their actions.”

 

During a presentation today by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin’s office honoring Kids’ Chance of West Virginia for providing scholarships to children of West Virginia parents who have suffered a serious workplace injury or death, West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue will attend and present a $15,000 donation to the nonprofit organization.

What:  Ceremony Honoring Kids’ Chance of West Virginia, Check Presentation

When:  3:30 pm, Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Where: Governor’s Press Conference Room, WV Secretary of State’s Office

As West Virginia working families took time this Labor Day week to celebrate workplace rights and the unions who represent them, State Republican leaders amped up their campaign to lower wages and safety regulations in the name of profit, announcing pursuit of a so-called “right to work” law.

“The fight starts now,” said House Minority Whip Mike Caputo, who discussed the push for the anti-working family law in a Metro News radio interview today. “What they call a ‘right to work’ law is a slap in the face to working people and wrong for West Virginia.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch Carmichael joined Delegate Caputo in the radio interview and advocated for the legislation. West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue said Carmichael falsely characterized it as an attempt to increase workplace freedom.

As is the time-honored tradition, this extended Labor Day weekend will be filled with family picnics, football games and barbeques, bringing together family members and friends. Amid the festivities, the West Virginia AFL-CIO invites residents to attend one of the many parades and events honoring the achievements of America’s working people.

“The people of this state and country, those working in manufacturing, engineering, service or retail, use their talent, dedication and drive to make our nation stronger,” WV AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue said. “This Labor Day, let’s celebrate our working families, who are pursuing the American Dream and working for a better life.”

Among the many events planned throughout the state, the West Virginia AFL-CIO’s labor councils and affiliates are hosting celebrations on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday -- including a run to raise money to help cover medical expenses for a Brooke County man severely injured in the workplace, and a reception honoring a group of Rosie the Riveters, women who worked in factories, often on munitions and other war supplies, during World War II.

SOUTH CHARLESTON – West Virginia retirees joined local and state officials today in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Medicare in an event hosted by the West Virginia Alliance for Retired Americans (WVARA).

“This is a joyful day for the seniors of America,” WVARA President Virginia Moles said. “Thanks to Medicare, millions of older Americans are able to enjoy their retirement without medical expenses bankrupting them and their families.

“In this age of shrinking savings and small or nonexistent pensions, Medicare is more important than ever.”