Union Reps and WCB Discuss Return to Work Issues

On May 29, 2006, union representatives from the largest affiliates of the MFL consulted with the staff of the Worker's Compensation Board (WCB) to discuss the issues and barriers related to the new re-employment obligation. The union representatives stressed that everything possible should be done to ensure that a timely and safe return to work for injured workers was done in the best way possible.

Suggestions from the issues raised included ensuring that definitions throughout the new policies remove ambiguity from the process. Definitions such as what constitutes a "full-time" job and how that is going to apply to seasonal workers who work year after year for the same employer need to be clear at the outset and not left to interpretation.

There were many examples cited on the issue of meaningful work and real jobs to return to following an injury or illness. It has been the experience of many union advocates that when people return to work following recovery, there is no actual job available, just different daily tasks or sitting in a corner waiting for tasks. There needs to be some way to ensure a sustainable future plan of a particular job.

A great many other issues were raised and solutions presented during the consultation. Topics discussed included medical rehab, prevention of injuries, language and cultural barriers, timely and safe return to work, alternate forms of work, administrative penalties and dispute resolution methods.

The MFL's position in regard to Return to Work Issues was outlined in a brief presented to the WCB. Download a copy of the MFL brief in PDF format. Comments from the May 29 session will be combined with other comments and issues raised and presented to the Board of Directors for guidance in future policy development.