Labor unions help to establish certain standards for work environments. Employees who accept union employment generally know that they can rely on the union to ensure company compliance with state and federal safety standards.
However, even when companies meet the basic requirements for workplace safety, workers can still end up hurt on the job. In some cases, employees with significant injuries related to job responsibilities may worry about losing their employment as a result of their new work limitations. They may be unsure of what to do next.
How can union representatives assist concerned workers dealing with an injury sustained on the job?
Educating them about their rights
Union representatives often play a key role in educating individual employees about their rights. Injured employees may need information about workers’ compensation benefits and their right to accommodations so that they don’t miss much work. Union representatives can help workers understand their rights and may be able to support them when they request benefits or accommodations on the job.
Identifying underlying causes
Another key way that unions help injured workers is by evaluating the situations that led to their injuries. A worker unfamiliar with job hazards and safety standards may not understand when violations of best practices may have contributed to the situation that led to their injury. Union representatives can evaluate an on-the-job incident to determine the underlying cause. They can then potentially communicate with the employer about the need to make certain corrections to employment practices or changes to the facilities to reduce the likelihood of others suffering similar injuries in the future.
Preventing unfair termination
Despite laws protecting the rights of workers to seek employment benefits after they get hurt and accommodations for functional limitations, employers don’t always follow the rules. They may retaliate against workers who report injuries by unfairly terminating them. Union representatives can maintain documentation that helps the worker prove wrongful termination if they lose their job. However, the advocacy received through the union could also help a worker get the support and accommodation they require without losing their job.
Union representatives who have experience navigating complicated and challenging situations, such as assisting an injured employee, can provide invaluable support. And counsel for unions can provide members with significant assistance under challenging circumstances as well.