Teachers’ Strike Looms

Across West Virginia, Saturday dozens of teachers took to the streets to spread the message about the fixing the PEIA and pay. In Charleston, teachers lined up near the Southridge shops area Saturday afternoon while teachers and other public employees stood along the median. Tension is growing over how state officials are handling the premium increase of the PEIA, saying a 1 percent raise would barely cover it. Governor Jim Justice announced earlier this week he will delay the premium changes. But a new draft PEIA financial plan show premium rates would freeze for 2019 but then increase the following three years by nearly 40%. The teacher’s union has voted for a strike.