Every Policymaker Should Know. . . These are unsure times for workers. In many states, workers risk their health and economic security which also means their family's health and economic security, because it has become more difficult to qualify for workers compensation benefits, when they get injured on the job. Former welfare recipients transitioning to work often have a diminishing safety net including health insurance when they are trying to become economically self-sufficient.
Women often earn less than their male counterparts and subsequently struggle to keep out of poverty.
Unions, civil rights organizations, women's groups and child advocates are working to ensure that workers receive just compensation for their employment so they can provide for their families and achieve some personal security. When a worker is injured on the job, they need to receive prompt medical care and receive wage compensation so they can continue to pay the house payment or rent, purchase food and be able to pay for heat and electricity. Adding to the abuse are policies that eliminate tort liability recovery in cases of injury. We must take measures to assure that all full and part-time labor has equal protection in cases of injury. Unemployment insurance supports those who workers and their families who get laid off due to no fault of their own.