In The News: WVA Workers Gain Input with 'Meet & Consult' Process

With support from CWA and other unions, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin announced a new experimental  "meet and consult" process for state employees to gain input on improving working conditions and delivering state services more efficiently.  The reforms will cover 200 CWA-represented employees in the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority and three other state government divisions where workers are represented by AFSCME and the Mine Workers.

Meet and consult is part of a two-year pilot program to address staff shortages and promote government efficiency. State employees, who do not have collective bargaining rights, endorsed the plan as a way to improve working conditions and improve public safety, said CWA Rep. Elaine Harris. CWA also represents the West Virginia state troopers, state corrections and juvenile service employees. Other agencies covered by "meet and consult" include the Division of Highways, General Services Division and Purchasing Division.