Like most employees, union workers in California are entitled to receive compensation for their medical bills and lost wages under their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance in the event that they should become injured or ill in connection with their occupation. With that being said, union workers are often afforded more rights and protections than traditional “at-will” employees under to the terms of their collective bargaining agreement, with some workers even being entitled to receive additional benefits under their Union Welfare Fund.
What Is a Union Welfare Fund?
Many labor unions include a “Union Welfare Fund” or some other similar program included in the terms of their labor contracts which consist of funds contributed by employers and managed by union trustees. These funds are paid to workers in addition to traditional workers’ comp for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Work-related injuries
- Health care
- Dental care
- Paid leave
- Unemployment
- Retirement/pension
- Disability payments
- Life insurance
What Other Privileges Can Injured Union Workers Receive?
Union workers are subject to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement, also known as a labor contract, which sets forth certain rights regarding wages, working hours, grievance reporting procedures, and other rights that employers must honor. In many cases, workers’ compensation provisions within these agreements are the same as those found in state law, though variations may occur which give workers added protections allowing them to retain their positions while they recuperate from their injuries.
In many cases, union representatives may be willing to help injured workers obtain compensation through their collective bargaining agreements and provide invaluable information concerning such benefits. Union representatives may also be able to request information from employers that may assist in workers compensation claims, including:
- Safety records
- Data regarding toxic substances
- Prior workplace injuries
Injured On the Job? Call (888) 740-6434
If you are a union worker and have been injured on the job, it is highly advised you work with both your union representative and your attorney in order to maximize your benefits. At Pacific Workers’ Compensation Law Center, our Oakland workers’ comp lawyers are intimately familiar with the unique legal needs of injured union workers and can provide the strong advocacy you need to secure every penny’s worth of your entitled benefits. Having been guarding the rights of the injured for more than 60 years combined, our team of advocates can help you secure the financial and medical benefits you need to recover as smoothly as possible.
Call (888) 740-6434 today to discuss your claim in full detail.