Recent Press

CHARLESTON -- West Virginia working families won a major victory today, when Kanawha Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey struck down the so-called “Right to Work” law aimed at attacking unions. 

“Judge Bailey was right-on with her ruling,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “She made it very clear that this bill violates the West Virginia Constitutional rights of unions and individuals with regard to association, property and liberty.

Members of the West Virginia Coalition of Retired Public Employees (CORPE) will gather at the state Capitol for a breakfast on Thursday, February 14, to remind legislators of the thousands of retired public employees who are struggling to get by.

“Retirees who are part of the Public Employee and Teachers retirement systems are dealing with undue hardships because they have not had a Cost of Living Adjustment and are not provided the tax exemptions that other West Virginia public retirees get on their pension,” noted CORPE spokesman Ernest “Spud” Terry. “Meanwhile PEIA is underfunded and health care costs continue to rise.

A coalition of education groups representing county superintendents, school administrators, teachers and service professionals will hold a joint press conference at the Capitol on Monday, January 28, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. in the Governor’s Cabinet and Conference Room on the main floor of the capitol building adjacent to the Secretary of State’s office. 

The purpose of the press conference is to discuss concerns with the Omnibus Education Bill originating in the Senate Education Committee. 

WHAT:  Joint Press Conference 

WHEN: Monday, January 28, 2019 | 11:00 A.M. 

WHERE:  Governor’s Cabinet and Conference Room 

(adjacent to the Secretary of State’s office)

United Food Operation, Inc. will kick off its 38th annual drive to collect food during the next 12 weeks for area food pantries with an event 12 p.m. Friday, January 11, 2019 at its distribution center in Institute. 

“Because the federal government shutdown is affecting food stamp distribution, West Virginia families, including children and the elderly, who are dependent on that assistance will need food pantries more than ever,” UFO Chair Elaine Harris said. “And that makes our mission even more urgent.” 

United Mine Workers of America, District 31 will be holding the 50th annual memorial service for the victims of the Farmington #9 Disaster on Sunday, November 18, 2018.  The service will be held at the #9 Memorial site in Mannington, West Virginia beginning at 1:00 PM.

UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts will be the keynote speaker.

“On the 50th Anniversary of the Explosion, as we honor the 78 miners who perished in the Farmington #9 Disaster, we must understand that fifty years does not wash away the pain of losing a husband or fill the void left at the passing of a father or family member.  There is no  amount of time that can heal such deep wounds.  But we do need to take some solace in the fact that these brave miners did not die in vain.  Because of their sacrifice and the determination of their families, thousands of miners and their families have been spared a similar fate.  We owe much to these martyrs and their families. May God Bless each of them.”  

– Cecil E. Roberts                                                                            

UMWA International Secretary-Treasurer Levi Allen will offer remarks

UMWA International District 31 Vice President Mike Caputo will emcee the event.

Family, Friends and the community are all invited to attend.  Because of the anticipated crowd at the service this year, parking at the site will be limited.  Parking will be available at First Exchange Bank and Miller Hardware in Mannington.  Shuttle service to and from the Memorial will be provided.  UMWA staff will be available to assist individuals at the parking locations.  Please follow the parking signs to access these locations.  

What:              50th Farmington #9 Memorial Service

When:             Beginning at 1:00 PM, Sunday November 18, 2018

Where:            #9 Memorial Site, Mannington, West Virginia