Recent Press

Kenny Perdue was re-elected to serve a third, four-year term as the president of the West Virginia AFL-CIO at the group's convention in Charleston recently.

The WV AFL-CIO, formed in 1957, is the state's largest labor organization with 575 affiliated unions and nearly 80,000 members. The organization spearheads much of the political and ideological agenda for the labor movement in West Virginia.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue released the following statement in regards to the death of Marshall University President Stephen Kopp:

“With the passing of President Kopp, Marshall University lost one of the most dedicated Presidents and public servants in the history of the school.  Since his first day on campus in Huntington, Dr. Kopp proved to be a true friend of labor and working families, and for that I am grateful.  Dr. Kopp was an academic leader and a true leader in West Virginia. Today I, along with all of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, send my condolences to Dr. Kopp’s wife Jane, his children Adam and Liz, Marshall University, and the entire Huntington community. ” 

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue released the following statement in regards to the indictment of former Massey CEO Don Blankenship:

“Over the years, Don Blankenship’s blatant disregard for mine safety and health laws resulted in the tragic and untimely deaths of 52 coal miners – including the 29 brave men who perished at the Upper Big Branch mine in April 2010.  Don Blankenship may have been a friend of coal – but he was certainly no friend of the coal miners who worked for his company.  Time and time again he chose maximizing profits over the health and well being of his employees - who are fathers, brothers, coaches, mentors, and friends across West Virginia. Yesterday’s indictment means we are one step closer to seeing justice served for the families who lost loved ones at Massey mines.”

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia AFL-CIO along with the Southwestern District Labor Council, the Kanawha Valley Labor Council, the West Virginia Democratic Party, West Virginia Citizen Action Group, and other organizations will hold a push-back rally on Friday, September 26, 2014 to demonstrate to outsiders like Americans for Prosperity and the Koch Brothers that West Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District is NOT FOR SALE.  The rally will be held outside the West VirginiaStateMedical Association, 4307 MacCorkle Avenue, SE Charleston, WV 25364. The Executive Director of the West Virginia Medical Association is Evan Jenkins, who is challenging Congressman Nick Joe Rahall in the 3rd Congressional District race in West Virginia.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Today, West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue released the following statement in honor of Labor Day 2014, before appearing at the Marmet Labor Day Parade and the 76th Annual UMWA Labor Day Celebration and picnic in Racine.

"Working men and women are the backbone of this country's economy. This Labor Day it is important that we take time to honor all those workers who fought for the rights and benefits we enjoy today. These rights weren't simply handed to West Virginia workers. They had to be fought for from the coal mines, to the steel mills, to construction sites all over West Virginia and this nation. As President of the West Virginia AFL-CIO, I have never been more proud to stand up for the working men and women of this great State."