News

The AFT-WV COPE (Committee on Political Education) met via Zoom on July 9, 2022 and endorsed candidates for the 2022 General Election. Endorsements are made based on voting records (if applicable) and/or questionnaire answers related to education issues only. 

Click here for the list of AFT-WV endorsed candidates. 

Delegates to the 2021 AFT-WV Convention, held November 4-6 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, elected the union’s leadership to serve for the next three years.

Re-elected as officers of AFT-WV were: AFT-WV President Fred Albert from Kanawha County, AFT-WV Vice-President Tega Toney from Fayette County, AFT-WV Treasurer Sam Brunett from Monongalia County, and AFT-WV Secretary Angie Turkelson from Putnam County.

Elected to the AFT-WV Executive Board as members at large were:

Justin Altizer

Lynneia Atkinson

Andy Bird

Meg Britt

Greg Cruey

Rick Cutlip

Bridget Davis

John Foley

Josh Gary

Amy Neal

Carrena

The WV Supreme Court of Appeals has issued an unfavorable decision and reversed the Circuit Court order of June 16, 2021, and dissolved the existing preliminary injunction. This case has been remanded to the Circuit Court of Kanawha County for further proceedings.

Any members in counties still utilizing payroll deduction of union dues should immediately sign up for edues to continue their union membership.  Sign up at http://wv.aft.org/join-union/e-dues-information-how-join-aft-wv.

Here's the latest: 

 What happened in court on June 14?

             On June 14, Circuit Judge Tera Salango put a halt to a new state law that forbids employers from deducting union dues from public employees’ paycheck,  ruling that “I do find and believe the petitioners will suffer irreparable harm without this injunction.”

“The governor and many members of the Legislature have not hidden their dislike for the labor unions. There have been open attacks on the unions in the media, and they are welcome to criticize who ever they please but when a law is passed that treats a certain group

AFT-WV begins the year with two new additions to the AFT-WV staff. Welcome Rob and Josh, the newest members of our team!

​

Rob Casto will serve as the new political director for AFT-WV. Rob brings a wealth of experience to this role, including legislative staff experience as both an assistant to a previous finance chairman and a previous house speaker. Rob has vast lobbying experience and has represented dozens of corporations, non-profits and other clients over the past few decades. Rob is a lifelong Charleston resident and enjoys golf, fishing, kayaking, motorcycling, and all things outdoors

AFT-WV, AFT, and First Book Host Book Giveaway for 750 students 

"We’re just excited for the kids. It’s their book, we tell them to put their name in it and obviously we are very, very passionate about reading and we feel that students, the bottom line is they learn to read by reading, ….Let’s face it, sometimes socioeconomic issues prevent children from owning books. So this is a small gesture from our national [office] to hopefully get a book in a kid’s hands,” Caputo said.

Read the full article at : https://www.timeswv.com/news/local_news/750-rivesville-students-receive-books-from-national

Members across the state aren't letting the abolishment of payroll deduction extinguish their professional voice!

They're signing up for e-dues to remain a union member and fight for public education. 

AFT-WV Follow Up Statement on Jan. 19 In-Person Learning Mandate Regardless of COVID Infection Rate

1)            A copy of the letter signed by all 55 County Superintendents asking to return to in-school or face-to-face instruction for elementary and middle school.

2)            All data, documentation, and information collected regarding confirmed school related COVID-19 cases and outbreaks.

3)            All school

URGENT! All AFT-WV members are encouraged to complete the survey linked below. Please respond before 11:59 PM Wednesday, January 6.

Thank you! 

January 4, 2021 Survey on In-Person Learning

As part of AFT-WV's ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of staff and students, President Fred Albert sent this letter, outlining the measures needed for safe in-person learning, to Governor Justice, Superintendent Burch and all 55 county school superintendents.