Workers’ Comp Reform

As president of the trade association representing California’s largest retail employer--the restaurant industry--I thank you for your editorial calling for reform in California’s workers’ compensation insurance system (Nov. 4).

Your proposed reforms are excellent. I would expand the list with a stress threshold set at 51% for an injury to be compensable, controls on runaway medical costs and curbs on litigation. These cost-cutting measures would boost the state’s notoriously poor benefit levels paid to injured workers overnight.

You failed, however, to call for the crucial element in reforming our system, and that is courage. All Californians will be glad to get rid of the rip-off artists who loot the workers’ comp system. It will be harder for some, however, to give up the conviction that filing questionable claims is OK because “everyone” does it.

True reform is going to require real courage on the part of all of us, employers and employees alike. Employers must oppose improper claims, employees must insist that their peers do not file them.

I think we can do it. Because with so many jobs fleeing the state, due in part to our outlandish workers’ comp costs, our own system is shortchanging us.

DONALD KARCHER, President

California Restaurant Assn., Los Angeles