Great news.

The Northern West Virginia Chapter of BAC Local 23, representing members in Area 1 (Fairmont, WV) and Area 2 (formerly the Cumberland, MD Local), has successfully reached a landmark three-year contract agreement, effective June 1, 2025.

This contract not only delivers significant wage increases, but also addresses a long-standing wage gap between the two areas and unifies the chapter under a single wage structure.

The contract corrects historic inequities.

For years, members in Area 2 have earned less than their counterparts in Area 1 despite performing the same work. Addressing this imbalance was a central priority during negotiations, and the results are a major victory for union solidarity.

The wage increases are structured as follows:

• June 1, 2025: Both Area 1 and Area 2 members receive a $2.50/hour wage increase.
• June 1, 2026: Area 1 members receive a $2.75/hour increase, while Area 2 members receive a $4.93/hour increase—closing the wage gap and establishing a unified pay scale.
• June 1, 2027: All members of the unified chapter receive an additional $2.75/hour wage increase.

Area 1 members will see their hourly wage go up $8 an hour over three years while the hourly wage for Area 2 members will grow by $10.18 an hour.

Additionally, as of June 1, 2026, Area 1 and Area 2 will officially merge into a single Northern West Virginia Chapter, ending years of separation and operating under one wage and representation structure.

“There is strength in unity. We will continue to go the distance for our members, and negotiate the best possible contracts. This is what you deserve from your leadership,” said BAC Local 23 President Danny Musacchio.

“This agreement doesn’t just increase wages, it finally delivers the equality our members in Area 2 deserve,” said Brian Greynolds, a member of the negotiation committee. “We’ve united our chapter under one banner, one voice, and one future.

This successful contract was made possible through the hard work and commitment of the Local 23 Negotiations Committee: Danny Musacchio, Noah Carmichael, Brian Greynolds, Gary Fleming and Robert Rippeon.

“I want to thank the members of the negotiations committee for their dedication and teamwork so that all members’ voices were heard and fairness prevailed. This agreement represents more than just numbers—it’s a testament to what can be achieved when unity, persistence, and purpose drive the bargaining table,” President Musacchio said.

From our families to yours, we wish all our union brothers and sisters a safe and restful Memorial Day weekend. If you are planning on cooking out, be sure to check out the AFL-CIO’s guide on buying union-made items, from burgers to soda: https://aflcio.org/barbecue.

Local 23 Northeast members take a much deserved break working on Crestview PK-12 School in Columbiana, Ohio, working for Lencyk Masonry.