FLATWOODS -- The labor history coalition met in Braxton County and is preparing for the first annual Labor History Week this September.

The West Virginia Legislature has designated an annual observance of the week following the Labor Day holiday.

The resolution came from the House Education Committee to increase awareness surrounding the contributions of workers in West Virginia and the United States.

"The unions gave the working men and women the 40 hour work week, weekends, holidays, increased wages, and protection while on the job," teacher Cheryl Judy said.

Members from the American Federation of Labor, as well as WVU representatives, and even teachers, are brain storming ways to educate students and the public about labor history.

"My personal belief is that when labor manages to get better benefits or better working conditions, then the rest of society, even though they may not be union affiliated, also receive those same benefits," organizer Bill Ramsey said.

The coalition is meeting again at 10 a.m. on August 14 at the Marriott Hotel in Charleston.

For additional information, contact Anthony Tambureno at ajtambureno@mail.wvu.edu.