Gov. Jim Justice fights to save hotel before Senate run

– West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is embroiled in a legal battle as he campaigns for a U.S. Senate seat, attempting to prevent the auction of The Greenbrier hotel, a historic property at his luxury resort, due to significant unpaid debts. Approximately 400 employees received a notice from the Amalgamated National Health Fund indicating they would lose health coverage on August 27 unless the Justice family pays $2.4 million in overdue contributions. The timing of the coverage termination coincides with the scheduled auction of the hotel, prompting Justice's attorneys to seek a court injunction against the sale. The Justice family has not made health fund contributions for the past four months, with an additional $1.2 million soon due. Concerns have been raised by union officials regarding allegations that some employee contributions were deducted from paychecks but not forwarded to the health fund. Workers United Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board representative Peter Bostic expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing the moral and legal implications of the hotel’s delinquency. Justice's opponent in the Senate race, Democrat Glenn Elliott, criticized the governor's actions, suggesting a sense of entitlement regarding his financial obligations. Justice, whose net worth was estimated at $513 million in 2021, has faced multiple legal challenges related to unpaid debts and safety violations in his coal mining operations. The Greenbrier hotel, which has hosted numerous dignitaries and events, is part of a larger financial struggle for the Justice family, including a private luxury community facing auction due to over $300 million in defaulted loans. Justice's legal team argues that the auction process is flawed and violates obligations to act in good faith.