WV State Workers Rally for Better Pay
WV State Workers Rally for Better Pay Save Email Print
Posted: 4:23 PM Aug 23, 2008
 Last Updated: 12:02 AM Aug 24, 2008
 Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: Carrie.Jones@wsaz.com
24 comments
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- From the Department of Health and Human Resources to the Division of Highways, state employees have a list of demands for the West Virginia Legislature.

Union members of UE Local 170 gathered at the capitol Saturday to rally for better wages. The group wants lawmakers to impose an annual cost of living raise based on the actual rate of inflation.

They appreciate Governor Joe Manchin's push to give them a 3% raise, but some workers say it's still not enough.

Members say low pay leads to low morale. And for Nona Ringler, Vice President of UE Local 170, her wages have changed the way she gets to work.

"Sometimes I have to take the bus," Ringler said. "I get on the bus at 5:00 a.m. to get to work by 7:00 a.m. I shouldn't have to do that if we had a living wage increase each time."

Pavanne Pettigrew, Chief Steward for the Capitol DEP Complex, was proud of the turnout to Saturday's rally.

"I hope that they see that things are not well with state government," Pettigrew said. "And, if things are not well in state government on the basic, grass roots level it is going to harm the people of West Virginia because we work for them. We don't work for Joe Manchin we work for the people of West Virginia."

UE Local 170 members hope that the public will think hard about what their leaders stand for when they head to the polls in November.

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Posted by: Gail on Aug 25, 2008 at 06:37 PM
To J, the state is having a job fair because they can't find qualified candidates in this state. We can't find people who can pass exams or drug tests. So the next time you say that a state employee can't find a read job, maybe you should see if you could pass the exams...perhaps even the drug test! This state is lacking in educated people!
Posted by: thankyoutaxpayer on Aug 25, 2008 at 04:08 PM
J: Why don't you try working a state job for a school system? I worked a private sector job for 21 years and you are correct, I could not hack it. I could not hack the thought of no future, benefits, retirement, job security, steady pay check, right to file a grievance, clean working conditions, hope and a laundry list of other things. By the way, the pay is not all that bad, we just want more. And one other thing, if I don't show up you will find me hunting or fishing using one of my personal leave days that I have a bunch of. lol
Posted by: stateworker on Aug 25, 2008 at 07:21 AM
I like the way everyone says "taxpayers pay the salary of the stateworkers". How many of you stateworkers out there AREN'T taxpayers yourselves? I know I am.
Posted by: J on Aug 24, 2008 at 08:58 PM
State employees work for the state because they can't hack a real work day in the private sector. If the pay is so bad, get a job that pays - in the private sector. Otherwise, shutup. You all continue to moan about poor wages yet do nothing to earn a raise except for (sometimes) showing up.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 24, 2008 at 08:07 PM
Everyone keeps harping on employees in other industries asking for raises, and it not being a problem. The state employees as for one, it is. You got a 3% raise!!! Yes, it's not as much as you would like. You can ask for a raise wherever you work, but that doesn't mean you're going to get it. Most will only give you a misely 3% raise once a year. If you are lucky, maybe more. So once again, you're no more special than all the other people working in WV. I personally have never worked in a company that gave more than 3%-4% a year, and once a year at that. How do you think you will get your raise? On the backs of the taxpayers that already pay you. You know, the ones that are hurting too. Guess you don't care. Let all the others suffer more at your expense. You also forget to mention the benefit packages state workers get. I'm sure it's better than more private companies around here. I'm positive it is.
Posted by: wvmom on Aug 24, 2008 at 06:36 PM
I used to work for the state. Didn't like the pay or the messed up politics of how services are provided to the public. It should be criminal. I quit. I'm very glad I did!
Posted by: They already make more than rest of us! on Aug 24, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Oh stop whining people! Most of you and State FUNDED workers/employees already make a LOT more and have MUCH (and many more) better benefits than the rest of us in this area and in WV Wouldn't we ALL like to have more $$$$ and better benefits but it ain't happening in this economy So be thankful for what you DO have since you make more than the rest of us! Just be glad you HAVE a job. Especially ones that pay GOOD and HAVE some kind of security as well as decent benefits!
Posted by: Lisa on Aug 24, 2008 at 05:05 PM
You know if teachers can get a raise then the other state workers should to. Teachers should not be the only ones getting the raises in WV.
Posted by: Mark on Aug 24, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I went to school to get a good paying job, which I have worked since graduation. Why should I pay my tax dollars to support those who chose their path? I could work for the state with my degree, but I would make less than half what I make now. My wife is a teacher and she isn't begging for a pay raise. She has BA and MA degrees and says she didn't pick her career for pay. Maybe you all should listen to her and get out if you don't like the job or pay.
Posted by: Gail on Aug 24, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I too work for the state and have two degrees. I do my job because I make a difference, even though the pay is horrible. I could be making almost 15K more a year in Ohio for the same position. After I finish my next degree, I will be relocating. To John, if the government shut down you'd be hurting. Are you mental? No police, no assistance, no drivers license, do you want a world without law?
Posted by: right on Aug 24, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I say go for it UE local 170. Our Government, by making stupid decisions and sending our jobs overseas, should pay through the nose. They are the ones that created this economy and now they should pay. And for the simple minded people that says " go get a college degree and get a better job", who is going to care for our roads and sick and elderly? I guess you want illegal aliens to do that. All the illegals are is a replacement of slavery. Remember folks, these "educated people want you down at the bottom while they reap the benefits at the top. I say fight back and make em pay up and if the state says "we don't have the money" make them go to our elected representatives and get federal money which is also our money. Srike, strike, srike. The polish people were smart enough to do that.
Posted by: Daryl on Aug 24, 2008 at 01:19 PM
I was employed at the DOH in 75' and the salary per month was a joke! My boss at that time stated "if you don't like it here than quit," and thank goodness I took his advice and was hired at a coal mine and now living quite comfortably.
Posted by: Tim on Aug 24, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Um everyone is going through tough times with prices rising....we should be looking at fixing the problem not 1 group of people getting raises when everyone needs them in the work force.
Posted by: Matt on Aug 24, 2008 at 09:45 AM
John is correct we should shut the government down. I mean who really cares if no one patrols our streets or keeps our criminals locked away or teaches our children. A word exhists in the english language to describe a society without governement it is called anarchy. I am a government employee and I enjoy my job very much, but I also like to feed my family, save for my children's future, and pardon me if I spend some of your hard earned tax dollars John on frivoulous things like enjoying my life. In case you forget government employees also pay taxes and since the state of WV is the largest employer in the state we pay a hell of a lot more taxes than you do John.
Posted by: StateWorker on Aug 24, 2008 at 08:24 AM
John: Yes, all so called "Taxpayers" complain about no need of state govt or its workers until you need something. Then you want to complain about having to wait in line, or fill out a form or having simply to wait. To make such an assinine statement as to the necessity of govt clearly displays your moronic nature. Its painfully obvious that you must be a cabinet secretary in the current administration. You get what you pay for, and the state doesnt pay much so dont ask for much!
Posted by: annoyed on Aug 24, 2008 at 08:14 AM
I would like to know why that people in this area think that anyone working for the government, city, state, or federal should not try to improve themselves. People io the private sectors ask for and recieve raises all the time, no one says to them. You started out at this pay rate if you don't like it find another job. People need to look at everything out there the same, public and private jobs. Your dollars run both, one by taxes the other by purchasing products and services. No one gets on Wal Marts employees case if they would ask for a raise, but the underpaid government workers are pieces of crap if they do.
Posted by: Joe on Aug 24, 2008 at 06:17 AM
I realy hate to read comments like the one from John about no one missing government if it shuts down. That exhibits basic ignorance that is genetic rather than acquired. State government involves every aspects of our lives from food inspection, public utilities, public safety, banking regulations the list goes on & on. But I'm sure this fellow does not realize it and what is sad, unfortuntantly, his genetics may be here forever.
Posted by: psh on Aug 24, 2008 at 04:05 AM
You might be supprised to see what the wages of state employees are, and just maybe the state employees did get a degree and chose a job with a growth rate, when there was a growth rate. State employee wages are public knowledge if you want to know where our taxes are going. But know that not all of our taxes pay just wages, there are other "lavish items" that are being bought with our taxes. Perhaps the state should make their yearly taxes and accounting files public knowledge as well so we can see where every nickle and dime goes.
Posted by: Steve on Aug 24, 2008 at 02:47 AM
What people don't understand is that you can't fill vacancies in WV's state jobs because you can go into the private sector and double your pay. Most of us took state jobs when the pay was decent - but as the cost of everything has gone up, we haven't received raises as has everyone else. For instance, just because minimum wage goes up, our pay doesn't. People need to investigate further and educate themselves before they go running their mouths.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 24, 2008 at 01:39 AM
Way to go jp. Your intelligence really shows. Seems to me the state employees are crybabies. Be thankful you have a job. What makes you think you are so special to demand a cost of living increase? All WV people are hurting. If my experience with state employees are any indication, I feel no sympathy for you. The WV Job Service is a joke. They don't even do the jobs they are paid to do. Months later, no work in spite of being college educated. I, like many others, will soon be another statistic leaving this fine state. I got a job on my own in Columbus, OH. Thanks for nothing WV state employees.
Posted by: jp on Aug 24, 2008 at 12:17 AM
to John: I am a state worker and I have a degree so you are preaching to the wrong person. As for you go a suck a nipple because you are a cry-baby.
Posted by: John on Aug 23, 2008 at 09:39 PM
If you don't like your job, quit. Did you not know the pay when you took it? Perhaps you should go to school and get a degree in a field that has a demand. Then get a job in the private sector. Those of us who pay the taxes that pay goverment employee salaries are sick of hearing you whine. The question I ask is. If the goverment shut down would we really see a differance? Most working people, read that those who do not suck the goverment nipple, would see no change. How much does goverment do that is really necessary?
Posted by: brian ball on Aug 23, 2008 at 06:16 PM
dont these people make enought already i mean come on leave the state people alone and help out people that really needs help like me like i have said people that dont need it gets a ton of help but the people that needs it cant get it beacuse of people like in the story
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 23, 2008 at 05:53 PM
if you dont like the job step down and let some one els have it that would be willing to walk or ride a bike to work
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