Quote of the day
"I believe these companies should receive the corporate version of the death penalty and be shut down."
Jack Donahue, N.E. Regional Council of Carpenters, regarding scofflaw employers that misclassify employees in order to avoid workers' comp and other financial obligations
Washington’s Rates May Rise Next Year
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries wants to increase workers’ compensation rates for 2009 by 3 percent to keep up with wage inflation.
Average premiums would go up by just under 2 cents per hour worked; the proposed increase would generate an additional $57 million for the three funds that provide benefits to workers, officials say. By Pratik Joshi, Tri-City Herald (Kennewick, Wash.)
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Underground Economy Subject of Bay State Forum
Employers who skirt the law by paying workers under the table or improperly treating them as contractors make up a significant part of the construction and trades industry, making it harder and more costly for law-abiding union and nonunion businesses to survive, worker and business representatives say at a Worcester, Mass., forum. By Lisa Eckelbecker, Worcester Telegram [with photo] Go to the Full Story…
Manhattan Pizza Restaurateur Nabbed
The owner of a popular midtown Manhattan pizza restaurant has been arrested for failing to secure workers’ compensation coverage, pay overtime wages and make required contributions to the State Unemployment Insurance Fund, and submitting false statements to the Workers’ Compensation Board and the Department of Labor. North Country Gazette
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Pinnacol Makes AARP’s Top-50 List
Colorado workers’ compensation insurer Pinnacol Assurance placed 25th on the 2008 list of the the nation’s 50 best employers for workers over 50 by the senior-advocacy organization AARP. Denver Business Journal
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Georgia Officials Charge Agent with Fraud
The state of Georgia is looking for possible victims of fraud after a Charlton County local insurance agent is charged an investigation by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation Enforcement Division. Charlton County Herald (Folkston, Ga.) [with photo] Go to the Full Story…
Alabama City Discusses Its Workers’ Comp Policy
In the wake of recent incidents involving first responders, the Dolthan, Ala. city commission is looking for ways to help injured first responders. By Daniel Curtis, WSFA-TV (Montgomery) [with photo] Go to the Full Story…