Debate Over Workers’ Comp System Rages On

Costs are “high” because workers are filing fraudulent claims. That’s what the owners say. What do the workers say?

Even “the expert” said allegedly fraudulent claims were “exaggerated” at 20%. Similarly, terms like “skyrocketing expenses” show biased exaggeration. In fact, only an average of 3.1% of every payroll dollar in California (2.2% nationwide) goes for workers’ compensation. Three cents out of a buck hardly constitutes “skyrocketing.”

Deep in the article we discover that California workers’ benefits are low compared to other states, despite higher costs here. If costs for the system are higher here, as is the cost of living, why are the payments for seriously injured workers lower and slower?

Workplace problems in this country are seldom attributed to management practices; discussions focus on problems with workers.

It’s often contended that workers should just be glad to have a job. But business owners should just be glad to have a business. They should be grateful workers do the work that butters the owner’s bread.

In any case, the problems with California’s system will not be solved by blaming workers or owners. Perhaps, the way workers seek redress is the problem.

K. KAMATH

Santa Monica