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Representatives of correctional officers at the state and federal levels joined together during this  36th annual National Correctional Officers and Employees Week to honor the professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited daily by the men and women working in West Virginia correctional facilities.

“Correctional officers and employees face grave danger daily, but the current pandemic has brought unexpected and unprecedented risks that they are handling bravely, with professionalism,” said Dan Doyle, National Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees.

Elaine Harris, international representative for the Communications Workers of America, which represents officers and employees within the state correctional system, noted, “In addition to working to preserve public safety in the traditional sense, these officers must also be concerned with carrying COVID-19 home to their loved ones and communities. It’s a lot to ask.”

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We are inviting the press and public to join us via Facebook Live at noon on Tuesday, April 28, as we honor the 22 workers lost on the job in 2019. 

“While we can’t gather in person as we have in the past, the West Virginia AFL-CIO will hold the 32nd annual Workers Memorial ceremony live on our Facebook page,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “This pandemic has shone a much-needed spotlight on the tremendous risk those in essential professions are facing and the need for stronger worker protections. But the sad truth is so many in the workforce have always faced life-threatening situations.”

On April 28, unions of the AFL-CIO throughout the country will observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job, and to call for action to make workplaces safe. 

“We will continue to work tirelessly in hopes that one day no one is risking their life to make a living,” Sword said. “And until every workplace is 100 percent safe, we should take time to honor and remember those who were injured or lost.” 

WHAT:                      32nd Annual Workers Memorial Ceremony   

WHEN:                      Noon, Tuesday, April 28, 2020

WHERE:                   Facebook.com/westvirginia.aflcio

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The West Virginia AFL-CIO has rescinded its endorsement of Justice John Hutchison for a seat on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

Following the release of the state Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the so-called “Right to Work” law, which was created solely to undermine and weaken unions, and Justice Hutchison’s concurring opinion, the WV AFL-CIO Executive Board and its Committee on Political Education’s executive committee held meetings today and unanimously voted to withdraw the endorsement.

“Justice Hutchison approached our organization and met with many members, seeking our endorsement of his candidacy and our support,” WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword noted. “Despite his statements both to us and in his concurring opinion that he values the work of unions, his vote to concur with the politically motivated decision in support of the state’s ‘Right to Work’ law made clear to us that he has put the interests of out-of-state corporations over the interests of West Virginia working families.

“The leaders of the West Virginia AFL-CIO and its affiliates can in no way support such a candidate.”

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CHARLESTON – In an unsurprising but still highly disappointing move, the state Supreme Court today upheld a law created solely to undermine and weaken unions in their efforts to protect workers and represent workers’ rights. 

“Circuit Judge Bailey had rightfully ruled that the so-called ‘Right to Work’ act clearly violates the West Virginia Constitutional rights of unions and individuals with regard to the illegal taking of their property,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “This law has been the centerpiece of a years-long, partisan-driven agenda by the anti-worker majority to lower wages and benefits and eliminate workplace safety regulations – all in order to place corporate profits far above the health and safety of West Virginia workers, which is shameful particularly in light of the current pandemic we’re facing.”

“That this state Supreme Court, the product of scandal, corruption and an unprecedented impeachment process, would uphold such a law is very disappointing yet not at all surprising,” Sword continued. “In fact, this court broke their own protocol by not notifying us that a ruling had been made and was being released to the press and public. 

“I ask: How political and shady has this court become when the parties in a high-profile appeal are only notified of a decision through reporters and social media?!” 

Sword said the labor unions in West Virginia will continue to operate as they have since the Supreme Court lifted the injunction on the law in 2017 and continue fighting for the health, well being and safety of all West Virginia working families.

“As always, we will continue to negotiate for fair wages, good benefits and a safe workplace,” Sword said. “In 2020, we will work harder than ever to ensure that those who pushed for and supported this legislation, and any other laws that hurt working families, are voted out of office.”

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CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia AFL-CIO has endorsed Isaac Sponaugle to be selected in the May Primary Election to serve as West Virginia Attorney General.

“Isaac Sponaugle has a proven track record of vigorously fighting to protect and support working families,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “In the eight years he’s served in the House of Delegates, Isaac has never waivered in his dedication to ensuring West Virginians are provided a safe work place, fair wages and affordable health care – in fact he has a perfect voting record in the eyes of the West Virginia AFL-CIO.

“I am confident he will bring those values to the Attorney General’s Office.”