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.

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.

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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tickets: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Wvaflcio2025

United Mine Workers of America 87^th 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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*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, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.