The Benefit of Labor Unions
Many people equate labor unions with unfair workers compensation claims, based on stories of factories preparing to close and labor union representatives encouraging the soon-to-be-out-of-work union members to file injury claims. Whether or not you belong to a labor union, you may find yourself having difficulty collecting the payments you are entitled to. That is why we recommend booking a free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys at Shea Law Group.
However, this is a rather one-sided assessment. Labor unions can be very helpful when it comes to ensuring workplace safety, monitoring OSHA compliance, and keeping workers safe from injury in the first place. Additionally, when a worker does become injured while performing his or her duties, it is often a union representative who helps them navigate the complicated process of filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Union Representatives & Stewards – Good & Bad
Union representatives and stewards are very helpful when an employee becomes injured. They usually help arrange immediate medical care, which often lessens the impact of the injury and helps the employee recover more quickly. There is occasionally a downside to this relationship, however. When a union is having a dispute with a particular employer, they may encourage the injured employee to stay on workers’ compensation longer than necessary.
This practice may not seem like a big deal, however, when one employee collects more workers’ compensation payments than they should, it leaves the employer with less money in the workers’ comp fund for legitimate injuries. Despite what many people think, the amount of money available for claims is not unlimited. Workers’ compensation fraud affects all employees.
Job Protection
One distinct advantage of belonging to a labor union is job security. In many states, your employer is not required to hold your job for you while you recover from a work-related injury. If you belong to a labor union, you are probably covered by a negotiated contract that requires your employer to keep your job available for you.
Free, No-Obligation Consultation at Shea Law Group
Our team of legal experts understands the ins and outs of the workers’ compensation laws and we have helped hundreds of workers in similar situations receive the benefits they deserve.
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, and you are running into roadblocks of any kind when it comes to collecting your benefits, reach out to our team of compassionate and knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys at (877)-365-0040 today.
