News

The PEIA Finance Board met today and released the proposed plan for fiscal year 2026. This plan contains devastating increases in premiums, copays, deductibles and out of pocket costs for education and public employees. 

Here's an overview of what the proposal would mean for employees: 

• A 14% increase in premiums for active employees, 12% for retirees;
• A 40% increase in deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for employees and non-Medicare retirees;
• An expected increase in the spousal surcharge from $149 to $350; and
• Other increases in copays – including therapy, ER, inpatient and pharmacy charges

Th

AFT-WV President Fred Albert reacted to the draft PEIA plan presented at this week's PEIA Finance Board meeting: 

“The proposed increases contained within the draft version of the PEIA fiscal plan for 2026 are simply unaffordable for teachers, service personnel and retirees. I don’t know any working family that can shoulder a 14% premium increase, a 40% increase in deductibles and increases in out of pocket costs and copays. At a time when our state’s elected leaders are touting surplus revenue and increasing the amount of money they reimburse providers at a cost of almost $75 million, our hard

This year's event will be held November 15-16 at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, WV.

We hope you can join us! This year's convention agenda includes convention business, the election of AFT-WV officers and, as always, amazing fellowship! 

• Click here to register for the 2024 AFT-WV Convention.

• After registering, delegates should also click here to complete the Online Delegate Credential Form. 

**Please register by October 22, 2024. 

**Registration is now closed for this event. 

AFT-WV will conduct its annual Legislative Summit on September 13-14, 2024 at the AFT-WV office in Charleston, WV. 

Members from across the state will come together to discuss and determine the legislative priorities of AFT-WV. 

The priorities of the group will be presented to and voted upon by delegates during the 2024 AFT-WV Constitutional Convention.

The event begins with a reception at 7 PM on Friday, September 13th. The meeting will begin tentatively at 8:30 AM on Saturday, September 14th, and should conclude before noon. 

Local unions will be

AFT-WV Primary Election Endorsements

The AFT-WV Committee on Political Education has made the recommendations below for the 2024 primary election. Please note that there are no endorsed candidates for many districts or races. Also, some races or districts have an endorsed candidate, in addition to a candidate that the committee also voted to oppose based on their voting record.

Please remember that photo ID is required for 1st-time voters by WV law and cell phones are not permitted in the polling area, so be sure to take your endorsement list with you to vote for candidates who will support

On February 28, 2024, AFT-WV and WVEA released a joint statement regarding the future of both organizations.

"Our hearts are heavy to learn of the tragic accident that took the life of our long-time member Ryan Lantz this morning at Liberty High School.  Ryan was a beloved teacher and coach who gave so much back to the community in which he grew up. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire Liberty High community during this difficult time."  --- AFT-WV President Fred Albert 

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/02/20/pedestrian-struck-in-parking-lot-of-liberty-harrison-high-school/

AFT-WV President Responds to State of the State Address

Charleston - AFT-West Virginia President Fred Albert responded to Governor Jim Justice’s State of the State address:

While we are glad the Governor proposed a 5% pay increase for all education and state employees, we would like to see a larger increase so employees can truly realize a raise after the PEIA increases are taken into account.: Last year’s raise was also eaten up by huge PEIA increases, so unfortunately, our state isn’t truly moving the needle on attracting and retaining certified educators.

The 5% increases passed over