To set the stage for the erosion of benefits and the introduction of privatization. Our union is completely opposed to privatization of the workers' compensation system since we know how bad the U.S. privatized system is. The U.S. privatized workers' compensation system provides benefits at about half the level of the worst Canadian system while costing employers twice as much. You would think that employers in Canada would act in their own economic self interest and reject privatization but the insurance companies have been lobbying heavily to intrude into this new and lucrative market. In order to get justice in the U.S. system workers must take on their employers and the private insurance companies in the courts.
Lawyers get rich while disabled workers live in poverty.
Australian WCB A 1995 study of the Australian workers' compensation system found employers doing everything possible to avoid WCB costs. The State of Michigan has industries similar to those in Ontario. From 1988-1994, the Michigan Department of Public Health received 86 occupational asthma reports from exposure to machining coolants. Seventy one reports are from auto parts plants. Followup inspections were conducted at 37 plants where the individuals with occupational asthma worked.