August 4, 2010
To: NW SPEEA Council
From: NW SPEEA Legislative and Public
Affairs Committee
Subject: Pre-Submitted New
Business: Contribute to the “No on I-1082” Campaign
Background
Recently, the NW SPEEA Council voted to oppose Initiative 1082 (I-1082),
which would privatize our
I-1082 is an attack on workers’ benefits.
We can not underestimate further risks if this initiative is
passed. The corporate interest in
passing I-1082 gives complete control of our injured workers’ benefits to the
Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) and the insurance industry,
and goes much farther than other states that have privatized their workers’
compensation system.
I-1082:
·
Eliminates the safety
net of the Insurance Guaranty Act to protect workers and employers in the case
of fraud or bankruptcy by an insurer. [Sec. 2 (2)]
·
Allows insurers to set
their own rates without approval by the Insurance Commissioner, unlike every
other line of insurance in
·
Unlike every other kind
of insurer, workers’ compensation insurers would be exempt from all consumer
protection laws, including the Insurance Fair Conduct Act. [Sec. 3]
·
Gives the BIAW financial
leverage to continue to attack workers’ benefits and further their agenda. This could very realistically include a
“Right to Work” initiative on an upcoming ballot.
·
Removes the voice of the
workers from the system they currently contribute to.
For more information: www.wslc.org/reports/2010/July/01.htm#Thursday
A statewide group of small business owners, workers, and community
leaders, including the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC), have joined
together to defeat I-1082. Other unions,
including the IAM, have joined the fight, and have already contributed funds to
defeat the initiative. The IAM has
contributed approximately $300,000. Jeff
Johnson, Special Assistant to the WSLC President, stated at a recent meeting
with the NW SPEEA L&PA Committee, that he expects the insurance giant
American International Group (AIG) and the BIAW to spend up to $30 million to
get I-1082 passed.
For a complete list of I-1082’s supporters go to: www.saveourjobswa.com
Motion
It is moved that: the NW SPEEA Council requests a donation of
$10,000.00 to the “No on I-1082” campaign.
PROs
·
The
current workers’ compensation system protects injured workers’ rights and
benefits.
·
Creates
solidarity between SPEEA and fellow labor organizations by fighting this issue
together.
·
The
current workers’ compensation system is a low-cost and effective program.
CONs
·
Contributing
to the campaign will cost money.
·
Some
members may support I-1082.
·
Our
stance against I-1082 may be viewed as “anti-business.”