Union News
Injured workers must be looked after
20 February, 2012 - 12:02 Anonymous
Unions NSW has called on the NSW Government to guarantee that workers compensation will not be cut if the financial position of WorkCover deteriorates.
The outgoing WorkCover chairman has signalled that premiums may need to rise or benefits may need to be cut to deal with a ballooning multi-billion dollar deficit.
Unions NSW Assistant Secretary, Chris Christodoulou said cutting benefits to injured workers had to be excluded as an option.
"Cutting benefits to injured workers would be a cruel and heartless way of dealing with any potential deficit," Mr Christodoulou said.
"We have seen employers enjoy generous cuts to premiums over the last few years during the boom times and Government must not allow them to now shirk their responsibilities.
"People who are injured at work have a tough enough time rebuilding their confidence and getting their lives back together.
"To penalise injured workers when they're at their most vulnerable is unreasonable and unnecessary."
