BECKLEY, W.Va. — Teachers and state employees from Raleigh and Summers counties gathered in Woodrow Wilson High School’s cafeteria Monday evening.
Although it has been nearly two months since the conclusion of the statewide teacher, school service personnel and state worker strike, the goal of the meeting was to reflect on success, discuss challenges currently facing state workers and moving into West Virginia’s future.
American Federation of Teachers West Virginia (AFT-WV) President Christine Campbell told MetroNews affiliate WJLS the stop at Woodrow Wilson was one of several she’s made across the state.
“This is part of a statewide tour. I’ve been going to counties and visiting with students, visiting with teachers during their lunch break and then having meetings in the evening where people can come from other schools.”
Campbell also said even months after the strike has resolved, members still have a lot of unanswered questions about the future of PEIA.
“It’s an opportunity to receive feedback from them to talk about the issues that we continue to face, to update on the PEIA Task Force, of which I’m a part. It really is just me going to them.”
Campbell added she feels it is crucial for AFT-WV members to be on the same page as the primary election rapidly approaches. Her goal is to help state workers realize how much of an impact their vote has on the outcome of PEIA.
“Any recommendation that the task force makes can only be addressed in legislation. So the importance of the elections when it comes to our health insurance as well. Making sure that people that are getting elected are looking for ways to increase revenue.”
The next step for the PEIA Task Force will be the series of public hearings to be held across the state. Campbell is also excited about this opportunity and the chance to hear from many people throughout all regions of West Virginia.
“We literally put dots on the map and then said ‘okay, where’s the gap and where can we hold this?’. Which I think is great because you have some places that’s easier to get to because of the road situation where the more rural areas you need to have more (hearings) because it takes longer to get from one place to another.”