CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A preliminary injunction Wednesday blocking enforcement of the West Virginia’s new right-to-work law drew exuberance or disappointment from those with differing views on the legislation — but agreement from both sides that the issue will ultimately end up before the state Supreme Court.
“We’re still walking on air,” West Virginia AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Josh Sword said Thursday of Kanawha Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey’s order, which blocks implementation of the law until a full court hearing can address legal issues raised by the AFL-CIO and a number of other state labor unions.
“Obviously, we’re pleased, and we look forward to the next hearing before Judge Bailey, and very much look forward to having our day in court before the state Supreme Court,” Sword said.
Senate President Bill Cole, R-Mercer, lead sponsor of the bill in the 2016 regular session, issued a statement Thursday expressing disappointment with the injunction, but saying he looks forward to resolving the issue before the Supreme Court.
“It’s disappointing that the court has taken the extraordinary step of enjoining a duly enacted law that is consistent with those of 25 other ‘workplace freedom’ states…