Greenbrier Resort's Health Insurance Woes: Gov. Justice Family Faces Payment Controversy
West Virginia Governor’s Family Faces Health Insurance Payment Controversy at The Greenbrier
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice’s family is facing scrutiny over delinquent payments to employees’ health insurance fund at The Greenbrier, a luxury resort owned by the Justice family. Union official Peter Bostic has confirmed and documented these delinquencies, raising concerns about the financial management of the iconic property.
Governor Justice has dismissed these concerns, asserting that regular payments are being made and employee coverage is not at risk. However, Bostic insists that the issue remains unresolved and demands that the Justice family fulfill their contractual obligations.
The controversy comes amid broader financial challenges for The Greenbrier. Recently, the Justice family reached an agreement with a credit collection company to prevent foreclosure of the property. The hotel had been scheduled for auction due to unpaid debts, but the auction was canceled following this agreement.
The Amalgamated National Health Fund has agreed to continue offering health insurance to union employees until the end of the month. This decision came after employees were notified they would lose coverage unless the Justice family paid $2.4 million in missing contributions. Reports indicate that the family hasn’t contributed to the health fund in four months, with an additional $1.2 million soon due. Concerns have also been raised about contributions taken from employees’ paychecks but not transferred to the fund.
Despite these issues, Governor Justice maintains that insurance payments are being made regularly and employees will not lose coverage. He emphasized the potential job losses if the hotel had been foreclosed on, highlighting the property’s significance to the local economy.
The Greenbrier, purchased by Justice out of bankruptcy in 2009, has a storied history. It has hosted notable events, including a PGA Tour golf tournament and NFL training camps. The recent auction threat involved 60.5 acres, including the hotel and parking lot.
This controversy adds to existing scrutiny of Justice’s business practices. The governor, who is currently running for U.S. Senate against Democrat Glenn Elliott, has faced accusations of late payments for family business debts and fines for unsafe working conditions at his coal mines.
As the situation develops, stakeholders await resolution of the health insurance payment issues and clarity on The Greenbrier’s financial stability.
