Update: Unions Offer Contract Proposal to West Virginia Resort

July 22, 2008

Labor unions representing more than 1,000 workers at the four-star Greenbrier resort in West Virginia have given what they call a comprehensive contract proposal to management.

Harold Bock is chief negotiator for the nine unions involved. He said that while a monthslong labor dispute has centered on health care, the proposal covers everything from wages to work conditions.

The labor dispute cost The Greenbrier a conference that’s been held annually at the four-star resort in West Virginia for more than 90 years.

The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers announced June 2 that it canceled its fall leadership meeting because of the contract dispute between The Greenbrier and unions. The council usually books all 721 rooms at the resort for the fall meeting.

Council President Ken Crerar sent a letter to resort President Andrew Fogarty saying his group spends millions of dollars with The Greenbrier annually.

The Greenbrier spokeswoman Lynn Swann said she can’t predict management’s response to the proposal, but that continued negotiations are a positive sign.

Both sides are expected to meet again July 31.

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Information from: The Charleston Gazette,
http://www.wvgazette.com