The Labor Wire

March 1, 2019

The labor movement scored another victory for working people this week when a judge struck down West Virginia’s “right to work” law. The defeat of this poisonous anti-worker legislation is a victory for all working people across the country.

Photo courtesy: Communications Workers of America

Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey of Kanawha County agreed with the West Virginia AFL-CIO and other unions that challenged S.B. 1, which was passed in 2016, for violating the West Virginia Constitution’s prohibition of taking property without due process and compensation.

“Judge Bailey was right-on with her ruling,” West Virginia AFL-CIO President Josh Sword said. “We entered into this lengthy legal challenge nearly three years ago because we knew the law violated the rights of West Virginia workers—and we simply won’t stand for that.”

The victory comes on the heels of West Virginia teachers killing a bill that would have taken money away from public schools.

 “The new law will require unions and union officials to work, to supply their valuable expertise, and to provide expensive services for nothing,” wrote Judge Bailey on tossing out the law.