Workers Compensation Board Expansion Consultation

Changes are long overdue.

Public hearings were held during December and January by the Manitoba government in Winnipeg, Thompson and Brandon on the topic of expanding Workers' Compensation coverage to more working people. The Manitoba Federation of Labour presented a brief at the public hearing in Winnipeg on Thursday, December 8.

One of the major improvements to the Workers Compensation Act to flow out of the recent review and update process was the commitment to expand workers compensation coverage to some of the workers who previously had no access to coverage or benefits.

Many of these exclusions were odd and difficult to understand. For example, mechanics employed at a car dealership are covered – workers doing the same work at a car rental agency aren't. A window washer working on the inside of a building is covered. The worker dangling off the side the same building on a swing seat isn't. Go figure!

When the Workers Compensation Act was written, only those workplaces that were specifically mentioned in the Act were required to participate in the plan. Later, some occupations and employers were allowed to participate on a voluntary basis and these employers were granted immunity from being sued for wage loss benefits.

Today, many occupations exist that have evolved over the last 20 years due to changes in computer, communication and other technology and have brought their own occupational injuries. Due in large part to this increase in white collar jobs from blue collar, we see many cases of repetitive strain injuries and other modern disorders. Most of these workers lack protection for wages lost due to a workplace injury because they are considered non-compulsory by default and their employers feel no need to provide for their income and health protection.

The workers compensation system must evolve to accommodate the needs of the 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 MFL has recommended that WCB coverage must be compulsory for all Manitoba workplaces.

A major benefit of increasing coverage is the resulting increased base to share the overall cost of providing WCB benefits, making it a true collective liability. The MFL believes that one result would be a lower average rate for employers than in the past.

The full brief is available in PDF format (70 kb).

To accommodate individuals or organizations who were unable to participate in the public hearings, the deadline for written submissions has been extended to February 28. Written comments should be sent to Corporate Secretary, Workers Compensation Board, 333 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4W3.