USW District 8 - Larry R. Ray, Director

04/29/2026

Another successful Presidents Meeting in the books. Thank you to all the Kentucky locals who showed up and participated in the event.

A special thank you to Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman and State Senator Gary Clemons for taking the time to join us and share their remarks with our members, we truly appreciate your support. IN SOLIDARITY!!

04/28/2026

Today we remember workers who have been injured or killed on the job, and we recommit to the fight for safe workplaces for all.

Job safety protections were won by working people, and they are under attack. At a time when workplace enforcement is being weakened and workers continue to face preventable injury and death, we must hold the line for stronger protections, real accountability, and dignity at work.

We mourn the dead and fight like hell for the living. ✊📣

04/25/2026

Thank you to all the West Virginia locals who attended the West Virginia Presidents Meeting. We appreciate your participation and engagement, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Summer Educational Institute! IN SOLIDARITY!!

04/05/2026

Wishing all of D8 a happy and blessed Easter…enjoy and be safe.

04/03/2026

What an awesome conference! D8 WOS in the house!!

03/04/2026

Being sworn in on Sunday, March 1, at the Installation of the International Executive Board in Pittsburgh is a testament to his leadership, commitment, and the trust placed in him for another four-year term.

Director Ray, we not only congratulate you on this well-earned honor, but we also sincerely thank you for your continued hard work and dedication to District 8 and its members. Your service and steadfast commitment make a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for your leadership.

03/01/2026

02/23/2026

02/20/2026

LET’S WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS OF LOGAN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, LOGAN WV, TO THE USW D8 FAMILY!!!

On behalf of District 8, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your solidarity, determination, and unwavering commitment throughout this historic journey. Securing a first time contract for more than 360 new members is a tremendous achievement, one that reflects the strength, unity, and resilience of our union family. This milestone would not have been possible without the collective effort and belief that when we stand together, we succeed together.

I want to offer special recognition and sincere appreciation to my Assistant, Roger McGinnis, whose leadership and steady guidance helped move this effort forward at every step. To the bargaining committee, John Ghee, Katlyn Brown, Kristy Newsome, Chasten Ghee, Jamie White and Cannon Varney, THANK YOU for your countless hours of preparation, negotiation, and advocacy on behalf of our members. Your dedication ensured that the voices of your coworkers were heard clearly and respectfully at the table, and your hard work laid the foundation for a strong and meaningful first contract.

To all the staff and supporters who assisted along the way, whether through organizing, communicating, encouraging, or simply standing in solidarity, please know that your contributions mattered deeply. This victory belongs to every one of you. Together, you have set a powerful example of what unity and perseverance can accomplish. We are proud to stand with you and look forward to building on this success for years to come.

In solidarity,
Larry R. Ray
Director, USW District 8

02/13/2026

I’m proud to say that once again our activists from all over the District turned out in record numbers for our Effective Lobbying class and day at the Capitol. We had several legislators and the Lt. Governor join us for a press conference to announce a bill to repeal Right to Work in the Kentucky House. This is a companion bill to our Brother, Senator Gary Clemons.
I look forward to see how many activists we turn out for this event in Virginia.

02/01/2026

Have you made plans to attend our upcoming Kentucky Lobby Day? There’s still time to join us!

Lobby Day Training: 2/10/2026 @ 9:00am - Embassy Suites, Lexington KY.

Lobby Day: 2/11/2026 @ 8:00am - At the Capital, Frankfort KY.

Over the past few years, this event has continued to grow and truly represents the heart of our motto: . Strong participation makes a real difference. Your presence directly impacts our relationships with elected officials and strengthens the work we do on behalf of working families.

We hope you’ll come out, lend your voice, and speak directly with our elected leaders about the issues that matter most to you and your community. Together, we can make an impact.

We look forward to seeing you there! Be sure to Check out the video.

Director Larry Ray and the members of the D8 Rapid Response program hit the Kentucky state capitol for a day of lobbying representatives on behalf of the USW.