CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Senate approved a bill Friday raising pay for state mine inspectors.
Senate Bill 708 calls for a $4,000 raise.
“This bill will address a high turnover rate for mine inspectors and the financial strain that they face,” Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, said during Friday’s floor session.
The state has lost 42 mine inspectors in the last 26 months, Garcia said.
“They stress they can’t make ends meet on the current $55,000 salary,” he said.
Mine inspectors have not received a dedicated pay increase since 2011.
“A $4,000 salary bump will not solve all of these problems but it will go a long way in recognizing our mine inspectors and the great work they do,” Garcia said.
The inspectors are responsible for keeping tabs on 616 mines, quarries, and coal-handling facilities and more than 1,700 independent contractors.
The bill passed Friday 32-2. It next goes to the House of Delegates for consideration.