Recent Press
- Statement from WV AFL-CIO President Josh Sword regarding Senate Bill 841
- A statement regarding Senate Bill 841 to cut unemployment benefits
- Cutting Earned Unemployment Benefits is Wrong
- WV AFL-CIO devastated at sudden passing of former President Kenneth Perdue
- A statement from West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword regarding Senator Joe Manchin’s decision to not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate
- Join a Labor Day Celebration!
- Ceremony Friday to honor WV workers who died on the job
- Teamster Members Unanimously Authorize Strike At Coke
- The PEIA Cost Shifting Bill (aka SB 268)
- Public Employee Representatives to Discuss Sweeping PEIA Legislation
- Union leaders’ statement on Senate PEIA bill
- Workers Will Rally for Fair Treatment at Italian Opera-Themed Tecnocap Celebration
- A celebration of former WV AFL-CIO President Jim Bowen's life Sunday
- A statement from Mike Caputo regarding the passing of Jim Bowen
- Former WV AFL-CIO President Jim Bowen Passes Away
- This Labor Day weekend, celebrate the momentum of working people
- A statement from West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword regarding the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
- Ceremony Thursday to honor WV workers who died on the job
- 2022 AFL-CIO Convention - In Memoriam
- IUPAT DC 53 HOLDING PROTEST MONDAY
- WV AFL-CIO Holds 30th Constitutional Convention
- United Food Operation Food Drive Kickoff Friday
- A statement from West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword on Senator Joe Manchin’s position on the Build Back Better Act
- IUPAT DC 53 Hosting Open House for National Apprenticeship Week
- Honor and Celebrate the Labor Movement this Weekend
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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
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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.”
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CHARLESTON -- The West Virginia AFL-CIO has unanimously endorsed Bob Beach to be selected in the May Primary Election to serve as West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner.
“Throughout his long career in public service, Bob Beach has been a consistent advocate for West Virginia working families, and we are proud to endorse him to be the Democratic nominee for state Agriculture Commissioner,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “I have no doubt that as Commissioner of Agriculture, Bob Beach will apply the same principles that guided him in representing his constituents in the Senate and House of Delegates, and that’s good for all West Virginia citizens.”
Beach was appointed to the House in 1998 at the untimely passing of his father, and served five terms in the House before being elected Senator of the 13th District, which includes parts of Marion and Monongalia counties, in 2010. He continues to serve as senator of the 13th.
“I am honored to be endorsed by the West Virginia AFL-CIO’s Committee on Political Education,” Beach said. “Ensuring fair treatment and safe workplaces for West Virginians is critical to securing a successful future for our state, and I wholly support the work of our labor unions.”
Sword noted the often-overlooked importance of the Department of Agriculture. “A healthy economy is dependent on a vibrant middle class and a diversity of industries, and both are linked to a strong agricultural community,” Sword said. “Bob Beach knows that, and will work every day to strengthen that link.”