West Virginia Human Rights Commission

The Appalachian state of West Virginia occupies a unique position in the U.S., culturally and politically. West Virginia split off from Virginia during the Civil War, in order to side with the Union. Today, WV is home to about 1.8 million people and brings in a GDP of around $55 billion. The state’s most prominent industries all relate to energy and include gas, oil, and (of course) coal extraction. Other than these energy industries, however, West Virginia doesn’t generate significant income from more “traditional” industries like farming, banking, or communications. The economy often struggles due to the state’s geographical isolation and lack of major urban centers.

The West Virginia Human Rights Commission (WVHRC) focuses on reducing and eliminating discrimination. According to a state law passed in 1961, it is illegal in West Virginia to discriminate based on national origin, religion, mental or physical disability, age, sex, color, race, family status, and blindness. The West Virginia Human Rights Commission operates out of the state capital, Charleston, and provides training modules for employers and employees, collects and processes discrimination complaints, adjusts workplace policies, mitigates problems when possible, and enforces compliance measures when necessary.

Coal mining in West Virginia has a reputation as dangerous work. Laborers must often toil for many hours in a row in dark, sequestered, pollution-filled caverns for relatively low wages. Most coal mining operations today adhere strictly with state and federal laws, but not all employers play by the rules. Work and hour violations can have fatal consequences -- particularly when workers don’t get regular breaks, experience conditions that make them sick, or work overtime without adequate pay.

If your West Virginia employer has encouraged unfair practices, discrimination, or wage and hour violations, connect with the attorneys at Joseph, Herzfeld, Hester & Kirschenbaum LLP for a free, confidential legal assessment of your complaint.