LOGAN COUNTY, W.Va. — On Tuesday, the United Mines Workers of America (UMWA) were issued a letter that stated the Logan County Commission would be refusing to recognize and bargain with them.
The letter was from outside counsel hired by the Commission, even though earlier in the year, the Commission agreed to and participated in a secret ballot election.
UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts released a statement on the matter Tuesday:
“This decision is a slap in the face to all Logan County taxpayers who care about quality services and fair treatment of workers. It reveals a blatant disregard for the workers who keep Logan County running. The Commission is willing to spend $400 an hour on outside legal counsel to fight its employees’ efforts to form a union, yet it pays those very workers just $19 an hour on average. This wage disparity reflects their true priorities.
Let’s remember: The Commission agreed to and participated in a secret ballot election in November 2023. After the workers voted overwhelmingly for representation by the UMWA, Commissioners and staff sat down with union representatives to discuss a collective bargaining agreement. They even asked for a full contract proposal. If that’s not recognition of the union, I don’t know what is.”
But now, after what we can only assume is political pressure from outside Logan County, the Commission has backed away from treating its employees with respect and instead cloaks itself in an anti-union state law that allows but does not require counties to ignore the wishes of their employees and taxpayers.”
The Commission claims to be acting in the best interests of Logan County’s citizens, but the reality is that fair wages and better working conditions under a union contract would do far more to strengthen the community. By refusing to recognize the union, the LCC is turning its back not just on its workers but on every Logan County taxpayer who believes in fair treatment on the job.
I want to make it clear: This fight has just begun. The Logan County employees spoke with a clear voice that they want union representation through the UMWA. We will not quit until they do, however long this takes. The Commissioners have a choice, they can continue down the path of being union-busters or they can respect their employees and work out an agreement that is fair to both sides.”