Gordon Simmons: Legislature takes care of itself, ignores working people

United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 170, the West Virginia Public Workers Union, would like to thank the West Virginia lawmakers for their accomplishments made during this 2008 regular session of the Legislature. Before the 2008 legislative session started, your UE Local 170, a democratic, member-run union, had asked that the minimum living wage in West Virginia be increased to $8.85 per hour. We realize now that we were mistaken.

The West Virginia Legislature proved beyond any shadow of a doubt in 2008, and in no uncertain terms, that the working people of West Virginia deserve a minimum living wage of $20,000 per year. If our part-time legislators recognize that they cannot live on less than $20,000 a year, then there is no way a full-time working person in this state can be expected to make it on less than $20,000 per year.

UE Local 170 fully agrees with the Legislature that the minimum living wage in West Virginia should be no less than $10 per hour, which equals a little more than $20,000 a year. We thank the Legislature for showing us the wisdom to change our policy position on this important issue for the betterment of every working citizen in this state.

The Legislature also recognized that many of our dedicated public workers work second jobs in order to make ends meet. Following the recommendations made at the public workers' Presidents Day Rally in 2007, the Legislature changed the law in 2008 to allow public workers to serve as poll workers. This policy change allows the conscientious and dedicated worker to fill one of the many potholes we have in job vacancies statewide.

Public workers know firsthand how important it is delivering necessary and vital services, such as poll workers who are needed to maintain our very democracy. Not only does this policy help bridge the statewide staffing shortages, at the same time it allows public sector employees to earn the necessary extra income many public workers often desperately need just to get by on. UE Local 170 applauds the Legislature for such thoughtful and responsible decisions, and we encourage our elected representatives to make such responsible decisions whenever possible.

Gordon Simmons is Capitol Chapter president and statewide chief steward of UE Local 170 in Charleston.