Author | Subject: Was Tuesdays Pre-MLAC Meeting Secret |
Advocate | Posted At 12:37:14 01/05/2000
Yesterday Governor Kitzhaber And Senate Majority Leader Gene Defler meet with Three Members of Labor, Tim Nesbitt, Bob Shiprack and Ken Allen but no where in the AP wire new flash does it state who is on the Management side. late last year the Governor Fired the members of MLAC, And on 10/16/99 the Governor stated that he wants to get the right members to check the systems "Fairness thermostat". Gene Defler stated in the same report that he dosen't oppose "Tinkering" with the states workers compensation system, but that Kitzhaber is trying to go beyond simple changes. Defler through his leglislation has created a system protecting employers from lawsuits from Injured workers thru Exclusive Remedy throwing injured workers into a system that favors employers and insurance companys and leaving the Injured with no recourse. The Governor has kept the most Important people out of this meeting "The Department of Consumer and Business servises", This agency regulates Workmans comp in Oregon. It is because of Gene Defler and his reforms that have created a high barrier for Injured workers to "Recieve the benefits the system was supposed to provide." Kitzhaber and Defler addressed the group and gave them a pep talk. Why would labor want defler to give them a pep talk when he has always been on the management side of MLAC. I am questioning the credibility of the meeting and the Democratic process or lack of it surrounding this meeting and why where the names of management kept secret. Why didn't labor refuse to meet knowing that Defler would be giving his pep talk, I would resent his being there and question the governor true intent on checking the Fairness of Workmans comp in Oregon. I would think that the power structure in Oregon be concerned that their process looks democratic and fair given the fact that everyone who works for a living in Oregon has a stake in the decisions from this committee. Also the state has said in past election years that not enough Oregonians participate in the election process no wonder people don't vote because they feel that they have no voice in the Democratic process and that Government is far removed for the voters who put these people in Office. Concerning the Management Labor Advisory Commitee, Management has always tried to discredit labors position concerning Workmans comp because billions of dollars are up for grabs, and it is Organizations like Associated Oregon Industries who are protecting those billions thru saved premiums dollars for their member business, Is this a fair and Democratic committee I question that process if the Governor allows a lawmaker to dictate to this group what "HE" expects, Defler is afraid that all of his hard work against Injured workers will go down the drain if the Governor appoints concerned people that are looking out for the citizens who are effected by the decisions of this group. I am not questioning labors position, I am asking that labor stick to their position and question the real motives behind management. Injured worker can no longer afford to be kept out of a system that was supposed to benefit them should they become injured on the job. I am asking that everyone who is concerned about the Workmans comp system in Oregon and all those who contribute to this forum not only ask but demand an EAR and a VOICE in this Committee. |
Advocate #2 |
Re: Was Tuesdays Pre-MLAC Meeting Secret (Currently 0 replies)
Posted At 13:18:06 01/05/2000 I agree, we must do something! As things sit now, it appears that alot of the so called new reforms that will be "tinkered" with, are going to be discussed behind closed doors. What is that all about..I thought we were the voters and the injured that is supposed to have some opinion here. After all, it is our lives and our families lives that they are playing with! Derfler has NO business appointing new members to MLAC! This is the govenor's position..unless this is another "political" move. Well folks, here we go again..sitting back and watching who will make more money this time around..Will it be Derfler or the Govenor?? We all know it will not be any of us, because we are not allowed to speak our peace!! If we do by some chance, we will be ignored, as we have been in the past.. |
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