NSFL welcomes recommendations from the Workers’ Compensation system review

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 30, 2024

Halifax, NS – The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL) urgently welcomes the recommendations from the Workers’ Compensation System Review Committee.

‘Injured workers are in dire need of meaningful changes to their support system, and we must act swiftly,’ emphasized Danny Cavanagh, NSFL President.

The Workers’ Compensation system is designed to operate on a no-fault basis, ensuring workers receive compensation for workplace injuries or illnesses without the burden of legal fees or lengthy court battles. In exchange for this system, workers gave up the right to sue their employer for injuries or illnesses.  This system historic compromise was established to protect workers’ rights, and injured workers must receive the benefits they deserve in their claims.

The NSFL has long advocated for universal coverage. Currently, only 73% of Nova Scotian workers are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act – one of the lowest rates in Canada. Approximately 100,000 workers in our province lack coverage in the event of a workplace injury or illness, and this must change.  We are greatly encouraged by the Committee’s recommendation to expand coverage by eliminating the three worker rule and adopting an exclusionary model.

The report highlights systemic issues that have compromised the well-being of injured workers, often leaving them without proper care or compensation. We urge the Minister of Labour to collaborate with us to rectify these injustices. The current system forces injured workers into poverty to maintain low employer costs. It is time to elevate benefits, even if it means higher assessment rates, and incentivize employers to create safer workplaces.

Additionally, the NSFL believes that the WCB must establish clear policies regarding the timeliness of decision letters for injured workers. The current delays in claims decisions are unacceptable.

While largely positive, there are elements of the Report we reject.  For example, we fully support the recommendation to shift from 50% to 100% consumer price indexing (CPI), but the recommended cap of 3% undermines the purpose of indexing benefits. Injured workers deserve compensation that keeps pace with inflation.  As well, some recommendations lack evidence and show a negative attitude toward injured workers, such as the suggestion that top-up of wage loss benefits to full salary delays return to work.  

The NSFL is unwavering in its commitment to advocating for a system prioritizing workers’ health and well-being. We urge the government and the WCB to take immediate action to ensure injured workers receive the support they deserve. We will continue to work tirelessly to implement these recommendations and uphold workers’ rights. We will complete an in-depth review of the report and submit our findings in writing to the Minister.

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For more information or to arrange interviews contact: NSFL President Danny Cavanagh @ (902) 957-0822 

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is the provincial voice of the Labour Movement, representing 70,000 members in over 400 union locals.