Facing Higher Premiums, Volunteer Firefighters Now Talking Statewide Strike

After years of spiraling workers’ compensation premiums and little action from lawmakers, the outlook has become so dire that West Virginia volunteer firefighters are now considering going on strike to jolt officials into action. “Can you imagine if the folks providing fire and rescue to 90% of the real estate within the state and 80% of the population were to walk away?” asked John Holstein, legislative chairman of the West Virginia State Firemen’s Association. “As much as I detest the idea, I fear that’s where we’re heading.” Volunteer fire d...