Expanded WCB Coverage Urged

In a brief presented to the Manitoba Government, the Manitoba Federation of Labour urged the government to expand Workers Compensation coverage to include more working people in Manitoba. Although the number of workplaces excluded from compulsory Workers Compensation coverage in recent years, there are still far too many gaps in the coverage.

One of the biggest gaps is school divisions. Not all school divisions participate in voluntary coverage and when teachers and other school employees move from one division to another, there is confusion when they find they are no longer covered. And it's not just teachers who are affected by this shortcoming. Non-teaching staff such as custodial workers, mechanics, secretaries and paraprofessionals are also affected.

Farming is another area where expanded coverage is needed. Family run farms are not the dominant force they once were. Many have evolved into what is known today as Agribusiness.

Other inconsistencies in present workers compensation coverage include having restaurants and lounges covered - but not private clubs. Greenhouses and landscapers haul dirt, sand and gravel and lay sod on site in similar conditions and working environments as road construction, but do so without being required to provide Workers Compensation coverage for their employees. Workers in auto retailing are entitled to coverage while workers at auto rental agencies not. Many workplaces that are characterized as "low risk" have been known to cause illness through exposure to cleaning chemicals, poor ventilation and mould.There are many more examples.

There is also a need to have workers compensation better recognize 'modern' workplace illnesses and injuries. Stress related issues are common in many work places. There are also many cases of repetitive strain injuries in some industries, but obtaining compensation for such injuries often proves difficult.

In its brief, the WCB states that the Workers Compensation system must evolve to better accommodate the needs of workers and their employers. The system, fully funded by employers, must be available to all workers when they need it, where they need it and without complications. The Government is urged to act immediately on improving the protection of these workers by making the necessary changes as soon as possible.

The full MFL brief on Workers Compensation expansion that was presented to the government is available in PDF format.