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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Raw deal for workers

The Spokesman’s recent attack on Rep. Ormsby regarding Labor and Industries “compromise and release” legislation was misleading and unfair (“Industrial insurance reform hits labor hurdle,” April 23).

Washington’s L&I system started 100 years ago when workers gave up the right to sue for workplace injuries. If an employer removes a machine guard and a hand is severed, the worker cannot sue. Recourse is limited to L&I benefits. Business now wants to decrease these benefits without concession. No thanks.

The $1.2 billion touted by business as future savings is money stolen from injured workers and their families. Pressure to compromise a worker’s future benefits will be intense. Big business claims they would play fair, but don’t count on it. Insurance companies make money through claim denial, delay and refusal to pay benefits. These tactics won’t change with compromise and release. If a condition worsens, the injured worker is out of luck.

No tax dollars are saved with this legislation. L&I is funded through premiums by the employer and worker. Once compromised, the cost of future benefits will shift to taxpayers, which costs us all more in the end.

Ormsby is right. The Spokesman is wrong. Simple as that.

Michael Walker

Spokane

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