You got the job! Just don't get hurt!

By Cameron Ross

The workers' compensation system in California has been a controversial topic of political discussion in recent years because of all the changes. When Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took office he intended to revamp the workers' compensation system.

Senate Bill 936 is a new measure which increases payments to permanently disabled workers. Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata introduced the bill with hopes of shrinking the amount of the cutbacks made on compensation given to disabled workers.

The nickname "job killer" has been given to any measure that will call for greater workers' compensation and there have been several since the original cutbacks. Schwarzenegger has vetoed bills that fall under this category so it is expected that he will veto SB 936.

While changes have been made, there has been little progress in satisfying both sides of the spectrum. Employers are happier with the revamped system because they have been saving money while unions representing disabled workers are fighting for greater compensation for disabled workers.

One bill that liberals and conservatives both seem to support is Assembly Bill 338, which extends the time period from which a disabled worker can collect workers' compensation.

The time period is extended from two year to four years. By considering this bill, Schwarzenegger would be going against the policy he has enforced since his election so it will probably be ignored.

AB 338 has the “job killer” label and this alerts Arnold like a sale on anabolic steroids or actresses who don’t know how to tattle if they’re harassed. No bill will be approved because the positive aspect of the new workers’ compensation system is being highly emphasized whenever the argument arises.

Democrats say the new system leaves too many disabled workers without workers' compensation checks. Local employers are pleased, however, as billions of dollars have been saved in California from the new policies.

Reduction in workers' compensation payments has led to fatter pockets for insurance companies and more desperation from disabled workers. While avoiding payments to disabled workers the insurance companies are saving money.

Schwarzenegger has preached the fact that the new system creates more job opportunities. Employers pay insurance companies to insure their employees. They are protected by lawyers who work for the insurance companies in case employees seek workers' compensation by way of fraud.

The bottom line is that collecting workers' compensation is more difficult than ever because of all the procedures one must go through and all the qualifications that must be met.

Employers are saving money and more jobs are becoming available. Disabled workers don't like this because they lose their jobs since they can't work and are unable to collect money as compensation, therefore resulting in their hardships.

The state is saving money or at least the businesses are saving money. The disabled workers are losing money and jobs. Workers' compensation is a perennial war between the disabled and the companies who employ them. The instigators are the fraudulent employees who have given real disabled workers a bad name.

SB 936 is the latest bill which will probably be vetoed if Schwarzenegger's trend continues.

There are many injured and sick workers who can't work because of their disabilities and are now forced to leave the workforce but don't qualify for compensation so they are without pay for the time being.

One might think the message of the governor's policy is that there are many jobs open but if you get hurt and can't continue to do the job, you're on your own. The criterium seem to mirror the morals of a large corporation. Workers can be easily replaced so treat them like a busted leg. Sever them!