Source: WV MetroNews
May 30, 2024
UMWA pulls endorsement for Monongalia County commissioner
UMWA Director of Communications Erin Bates said the withdrawal comes after Bloom, and the commission failed to support the efforts of the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office to union under their umbrella.
The press release said in part, “Commissioner Bloom seconded a motion to deny employees in the Monongalia County Assessor’s office the opportunity to hold a free election to determine union representation, even though a majority of workers have expressed a clear desire to organize.”
“We have sent a letter to his residence letting him know we are withdrawing,” Bates said. “I do not think this is something he’ll be surprised about, but we’ll see what he says—we have not received any response from him.”
Bloom acknowledged receiving the unsolicited endorsement in March. Bloom said there was no interview process, questionnaire, or financial commitment made by the UMWA to his campaign. Also, Bloom said he is not aware of any county employees who want to unionize.
“It is important for the citizens of Monongalia County to know that I have not heard from any workers in the assessor’s office about any concerns, any issues, or them wanting to organize in a union,” Bloom said.
The number of employees is unclear, but Bates contends that workers in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office do want representation. In fact, she said workers from Monongalia County have approached them seeking representation.
“They want representation; they want a voice at the job,” Bates said. “We are just trying to advocate for people who have already shown interest in the unionization process.”
Bloom cited the recent history of the commission in establishing health savings accounts to help county workers with health insurance deductibles, prescription plans, pay raises, and annual efforts to control or decrease the cost of medical insurance.
“UMWA leadership and I might have to agree to disagree in this instance,” Bloom said. “Overall, my record in fighting for our employees and supporting our employees is clear and speaks for itself.”
Bates said the public always thinks miners when they hear about the UMWA, but in fact, she said they represent a wide variety of workers, including teachers, public employees, and nurses.
“We allow them to have a collective bargaining process where they can fight for fair wages, they can fight for safe working conditions, or they just fight for respect in the workplace,” Bates said. “So, this is something we allow our members to do, and we want them to be able to do this in Monongalia County as well.”
