SENATE APPROVES BILL TO STRENGTHEN PROTECTIONS FOR INJURED WORKERS
Senator Patrick’s legislation will allow injured workers to be accompanied when they are examined by their employer’s doctor
AUGUSTA–In a 18-17 vote, the Senate gave initial approval for a bill sponsored by Democratic Senator John Patrick to ensure fair treatment for workers who have been injured on the job through no fault of their own.
“This is about fairness for hard-working men and women who have been injured and may need support as they move through what can be a confusing process,” said Senator Patrick. “Injured workers deserve the opportunity to bring a family member, coworker, or union representative with them when they are being examined by a company doctor.”
For decades, the United Steel Workers Local 900 at the Rumford NewPage pulp and paper mill represented injured members who requested assistance at medical appointments and related Human Resources interviews. Last year, without giving a cause for changing the policy, the mill decided to stop this practice.
Ron Hemingway, President of USW Local 900, testified in support of the measure during the public hearing saying, “Local 900 officers have represented our members in these medical interviews…for around 20 years. There have been no problems with this process and the company has failed to provide a credible reason [for ending the practice].”
Matt Schlobohm, Executive Director of the Maine AFL-CIO, who also testified in support of the bill at its public hearing, explained that when examined by employer-selected healthcare providers, injured workers often feel the report issued varies from what was said in the provider’s office, which can result in a he-said/she-said situation.
“Allowing someone to accompany an injured worker when they are seeing a company selected provider guarantees a witness to the proceedings,” said Schlobohm.
The bill, LD 1641, “An Act To Amend the Workers’ Compensation Laws as They Pertain to Employee Representation,” faces further votes in the House and the Senate.
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