Washington L&I proposes increase to workers’ comp rates
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries is proposing a modest increase in workers’ comp rates for 2022, saying the 3.1 percent average increase would be the first in five years, and would actually result in lower average premiums than in 2017. A virtual public hearing is scheduled on October 26 before a final decision is made. KGMI
Washington business owner who submitted phony bills repays L&I
A Seattle woman accused of forging signatures and stealing money by billing the state for appointments that never happened has pleaded guilty and repaid the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries more than $43,000 in full for overbilling the department for interpreter services. Dailyfly.com (Lewiston, Idaho)
Chicago tortilla factory locks out employees after they protest conditions
Employees at Chicago’s two tortilla plants say low pay and poor working conditions have led to a low employee retention rate which are the culprits behind the city’s tortilla shortage. Female employees have alleged sexual harassment and say management ignored their complaints. Eater Chicago
Wave of workers’ comp claims, settlements worsen Minneapolis budget outlook
The wave of Minneapolis police filing workers’ compensation claims and police brutality lawsuits are contributing to the city’s grim 2022 budget outlook, prompting the mayor to shift millions of dollars to shore up the city’s self-insurance fund. Mayor Jacob Frey’s $1.6 billion budget proposal includes a one-time $24 million transfer of general funds to the self-insurance fund to cover the increase in workers’ compensation claims and general liability settlements. Minnesota Reformer
Will federal employee unions challenge vaccine mandate?
While several major federal employee unions such as the National Federation of Federal Employees said they won’t challenge the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate in court, others are leaving open the possibility. Government Executive