State’s Two Largest Education Unions Are Now One 

As of Monday, the West Virginia Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers – West Virginia have officially merged to form the new Education West Virginia. The merger was first announced in February 2024, with both prior entities granting formal approval in March.

At a press conference Wednesday, co-presidents Dale Lee and Kristie Skidmore said they hoped a single, unified voice would better speak to teachers’ needs like better pay and safe working environments.

“We have stronger resources,” Skidmore said. “Now we’ve combined our resources, we’re going to be able to get to our members quicker, faster. Not to forget that we are under the umbrella of the AFL-CIO.”

“And there’s strength in numbers,” Lee added.

Lee and Skidmore said the new union is ready to advocate for their members at an expected special session of the state legislature to address the costs of health insurance through the state employees’ Public Employee Insurance Agency next week.

“PEIA is driving valuable employees away from public schools and contributing to the teacher and other employee shortages,” Lee said. “Tomorrow (Thursday), I will be attending the PEIA Finance Board Meeting. Kristie and I will be at the legislature if and when the special session on PEIA materializes.”

Combining a 14% increase in insurance costs and no commensurate pay increase, Lee pointed out that most teachers and school staff are making less this year than last year. 

“If our elected officials value our children then they must increase pay for the hardworking people who teach them, drive them to school, prepare their meals and provide the framework of nurturing in our public schools,” he said. “I was looking earlier. In our bordering states, average anywhere from $2,800 to more than almost $29,000 more in pay than we do in West Virginia.”

Skidmore added that they already plan to travel across the state to speak with members about their experiences.

“We’re going to listen to our members and what they have to say about what they’re experiencing, what they’re paid and the benefits,” she said. “We’re going to ask them also to share their stories and share those facts with their legislators.”