by DC Jobs with Justice | Nov 25, 2012 | Campaigns, Get Involved, Injured Worker Advocate
Over 2,000 injured D.C. government employees go through the Public Sector Workers Compensation Program each year. Disability benefits are intended to give injured government workers financial security when injured on the job and help them pay their medical care, rent, and other basic necessities. Unfortunately, due to a decade of poor administration an noncompliance, formerly middle-class injured workers have been driven into poverty. The D.C. Council should act immediately and pass legislation to: Restore the great weight afforded to the opinions of treating physicians to ensure accurate medical assessments of injuries Provide that injured workers will not lose disability compensation while they are navigating the administrative process Enable compensation for mental stress or emotional conditions suffered by workers as a result of their injuries Protect workers with injuries that last longer than 500 weeks, but are still classified as “temporary” rather than “permanent” Bring the compensation program back “in house” rather than contracting with a company that profits at the expense of workers Take Action >>> Sign the...
by DC Jobs with Justice | Apr 17, 2008 | Interfaith Worker Justice, Projects
After four years of struggling to organize and negotiate with their companies, the 1,500 security officers who are members of SEIU Local 32BJ in Washington, DC won their first union contract on April 10th. rnrnThe contract establishes a minimum starting salary of $12.40 an hour, with 50 cent raises for officers who were already making above that level. The companies will also pay for health insurance for all full-time workers. Part-time officers did not yet gain full health benefits, but they and their families will receive some employer-paid benefits, such as prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and life insurance.The contract also provides 8 paid holidays and 7 days personal days, as well as addressing important job quality and security issues. rnrnThe contract will cover officers working for Admiral Security, AlliedBarton, Guardsmark and Securitas at commerical office buildings in DC. Together these companies employ about three-quarters of the District’s office building security workforce.rnrnThe officers were supported in their long struggle by Interfaith Worker Justice of Greater Washington. Members of the IWJ network participated in delegations to employers, visited workplaces, collected letters, highlighted security officers during Labor Day weekend services, and brought officers to speak at their congregations. rnrnYou can read more in...
