| State workers from across West Virginia will rally on Saturday, August 23, to highlight the value of public service and call for sweeping changes in the working conditions of public sector employees.
The rally will begin at 9 a.m. on the south steps of the state capitol and will include rank and file leaders of the West Virginia Public Workers Union as speakers.
"Since the current administration has abolished merit pay for state workers, we are proposing a living wage provision, as well as cost-of-living adjustment provision to include retirees," said Bruce Dotson, highway worker and UE Local 170 president. "For more than three years, West Virginia public sector pay has remained frozen at the bottom in comparison with other states, even in times of state budget surplus. Quick fix gimmicks like job fairs, convict labor and temporary workers have failed to provide solutions."
State hospital and social workers plan to address issues of low pay, understaffing, the lack of case load standards and worker and patient safety. "Morale at DHHR is extremely low," Dotson said. "When you add the high incidence of management harassment, it's a testimony to employee dedication that vital social services get delivered at all."
Turnpike workers intend to join other agencies' employees in demanding the respect of seniority rights in decisions affecting promotions and transfers. "The existing law may recognize seniority and tenure, but state agencies rarely, if ever, take it into account," Dotson added.
The cost and threat to public service of creeping privatization and outsourcing has also drawn the ire of state workers. "Saying that we're 'open for business' shouldn't mean we're up for sale," concluded Dotson. "This administration has been conducting a clearance sale of West Virginia's state services and infrastructure. Running government as a business has turned out to mean that it's okay to plunder the public good."
Among the speakers will be UE national director of organizing Robert Kingsley. UE is the parent union of the West Virginia Public Service Workers Union. A delegation from UE Local 150, North Carolina Public Services Workers Union, will also be in attendance. | 
