Monongalia County Assessor’s Office staff will vote on joining UMWA

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — Staff at the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office will vote next week on whether they’ll join the United Mine Workers of America.

The news broke at Wednesday’s meeting of Monongalia County Commissioners when a letter from the assessor was read into the record, notifying commissioners of the upcoming vote.

There has been some controversy about workers’ efforts to organize, as union leaders and office employees have accused Monongalia County Commissioners of attempting to block a vote. That dispute led to the union rescinding its endorsement of incumbent commissioner Tom Bloom’s reelection campaign.

Monongalia County Commissioners have insisted that the employees could hold a vote at any time and there was no action commissioners needed to take.

“We look forward to the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office employees finally having an opportunity to vote for union representation,” said UMWA District 31 Vice President Mike Payton. “The workers have expressed a strong desire for a voice in their workplace. I appreciate the efforts of Assessor Mark Musick for facilitating this election.”

The vote is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26.

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