MORGANTOWN – The Dominion Post polled local legislators last week to learn about their efforts regarding the Viatris plant closure, set for July 31.
Two were able to reply via email and another, Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer, D-Monongalia, called and talked, and sent a copy of a letter the local delegation is sending to Gov. Jim Justice.
Delegate John Williams, D-Monongalia, wrote: “I have been in close contact with the union, as well as various economic development groups, trying to see what can be done. Mylan’s importance to our community cannot be overstated, and we have to continue fighting for our people’s jobs and livelihood.”
United Steelworkers Local 8-957 President Joseph Gouzd several times singled out Delegate Danielle Walker, D-Monongalia, for praise for her work and her appearances at the union office to make phone calls. She’s contacted the governor’s office.
Walker said she’s been working very closely with the union and has contacted media outlets to tell the story of the workers’ devastating circumstances. “These people need to know there’s an action and we are listening. The workers, union or non-union, are in need and the state of West Virginia and its elected officials are being very silent.
“Their severance package is not a priority because they want to keep the doors open,” Walker said.
The local is meeting this week and Walker said she plans to be there. “I stand by these working people and everyone needs to hear their voices.”
Fleischauer composed the main draft of the letter to Gov. Jim Justice and improved it with input from other legislators. Six state senators and six other delegates – from both parties – signed on. Here it is in full:
“This letter is being sent on behalf of more than 1,500 Viatris employees and their families who fear they will be losing everything on July 31 when the former Mylan Pharmaceuticals plant is expected to close. Their lives are up in the air, and they are desperate with worry about their incomes being drastically reduced, and about the vehicle, mortgage, credit card, and other payments they may no longer be able to make.
“We know that you and your staff have been working hard behind the scenes to save their jobs. But as you are well aware, this entire region will face major negative effects from the sudden loss of this huge number of jobs. People drove for hours to work at the good jobs offered by Mylan. Thus, in counties near and far from Monongalia, these losses will be felt by school systems, industry suppliers, and by the gas stations, health care providers, car dealerships, grocery stores, salons, and other businesses that for years have served these employees and their families.
“Concern for these expected losses to our communities led the state Senate and House to unanimously pass resolutions urging you to form a Task Force to work together with our Congressional delegation, Viatris, the union, and all stakeholders to find a solution – hopefully, to re-purpose the plant and save at least some of the jobs.
“To date, this has not happened. Time is of the essence. We’ve seen the successes you’ve achieved when you’ve gotten personally involved in dire employment situations in the past. It is hard for us to believe that nothing more can be done to preserve this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility which has produced so much good for our state, especially when during this worldwide pandemic, there is such an enormous need for pharmaceuticals.
“To the extent that there are opportunities where you could lend your personal assistance, we would be extremely grateful. The 1,500-plus employees and their family members are our friends and neighbors. They need to know that everything that is humanly possible is being done to assist them. The delegates and senators representing this region stand ready to take every possible action to help them, you, and our federal representatives as we approach this looming deadline.”
Signing on were Sens. Bob Beach, Mike Caputo, Charles Clements, Mike Maroney, Dave Sypolt and Randy Smith; Fleischauer, Walker and Williams; and Delegates Evan Hansen, Dave Pethtel, Joe Statler and Amy Summers.
TWEET David Beard @dbeardtdp EMAIL dbeard@dominionpost.com
