Union Workers and Workers’ Compensation: How Unions Protect Injured Employees in New York

Are you a union worker who recently suffered a workplace accident? The labor union and a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney may make it easier to get the help you need. They are both crucial in securing you the financial and monetary benefits you are entitled to under the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law. Learn more about the relationship between union memberships and workers’ compensation claims and why being in one can facilitate the process.

How Labor Unions Help With Workers’ Compensation Claims

Union workers have a distinct advantage by being a part of a labor union. Some unions/municipalities are self-insured and will process the initial claim quicker than traditional insurance companies. Further, your union contract may provide for free continuation of medical benefits while you are out on your New York State Workers’ Compensation claim. They may provide additional job protection, allowing you more time to recover and return to your former place of employment and negotiate better working conditions and protections. These can include better pay, medical coverage, or job guarantees.

In addition, unions protect you by ensuring your employer can’t retaliate against you, which still makes up about 40% of workplace discrimination cases in New York alone despite being illegal. Since labor unions enforce the state’s labor laws, workers can file their workers’ compensation claims without worrying about potentially losing their jobs.

Additional Benefits A Labor Union Can Offer Workers

Aside from promoting better protections, labor unions offer additional benefits for workers. Some of these include:

Supplemental Disability Benefits

New York’s workers’ compensation system covers up to two-thirds of your weekly pay. However, some unions may not see this as enough and have welfare or benefit funds to offer workers additional pay while they’re in recovery. Depending on the union, you can expect anything from full weekly payments to early retirement pensions if your disability prevents you from working anymore.

Educational Or Job Training Opportunities

In some cases, workers may be unable to perform the same job duties due to injuries. Some unions provide these workers with job training and other educational programs. These opportunities help them learn new skills and transition into different roles at the company. 

Access To Specialized Legal Experts

Most unions understand that many workers find the claims process difficult to handle on their own. For this reason, they may partner with local law firms specializing in workers’ compensation to assist their members. For example, our law firm has worked with private and public unions to help their workers understand their rights and secure the compensation they deserve.

Speak To A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Union workers like you don’t need to handle the claims process alone. Your labor union is there to give you the support you need. They have many resources available, including legal assistance and protection against unfair treatment or discrimination from your employer.

Additionally, our New York workers’ compensation attorneys at Turley Redmond & Rosasco, L.L.P. have represented injured union members across multiple industries for over 25 years. We’ll help you build a strong case and ensure you receive every benefit you’re entitled to. Please contact us at 855-622-7686 to schedule a free case review with one of our legal experts today.