Union leaders in West Virginia are voicing their concerns over a bill that aims to abolish the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). The controversial legislation, known as Senate Bill 34, has sparked outrage among the state’s labor organizations.
The bill, which was introduced by Republican Senate President Craig Blair, seeks to dismantle PEIA and replace it with a health savings account plan for state employees. Union leaders argue that this proposed change would leave thousands of public employees without adequate healthcare coverage.
In response to the bill, members of the American Federation of Teachers-West Virginia (AFT-WV) held a press conference to denounce the legislation. Fred Albert, president of AFT-WV, stated that the bill would result in higher out-of-pocket costs for state employees and could potentially have a detrimental impact on their overall health and well-being.
Other union leaders, including representatives from the West Virginia Education Association and the Communication Workers of America, have also spoken out against the bill. They are calling on lawmakers to reconsider the proposed changes and explore alternative solutions to address the rising costs of healthcare for state employees.
The potential abolishment of PEIA has raised concerns about the future of healthcare coverage for public employees in West Virginia. Union leaders are urging legislators to prioritize the well-being of state workers and their families by maintaining the current healthcare system.
As the debate around Senate Bill 34 continues, union leaders are remaining vocal in their opposition to the proposed changes. They are calling for a collaborative approach that prioritizes the needs and concerns of state employees as discussions around healthcare reform move forward.
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