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Big business has done much to break down the influence and power of trade unions who would profess to representing workers rights. Trade unions themselves have largely ignored the treatment of injured workers in this country as well. In fact, the trade unions are primarily concerned about maintaining power and the high salaries enjoyed by its representatives at the highest levels.

Consistent with both groups is their disconnection with the facts. The birth control pill and its subsequent influence in reducing the numbers of people available to do various jobs has become a dynamic force no one has seriously considered. When the work force realizes just how valuable it is (by its scarcity) in contributing to this country’s wealth, it is going to demand real change. This work force is not going to put up with shoddy treatment from any government, and, certainly, not from an organization like the WCB that has been well funded with their tax dollars to make their lives more difficult when they are injured in the workplace.

Controls need to be put in place that will nip, in the bud, the unfair practices the WCB and government agencies have been exercising, with impunity, for too many years now.

If not, those advocates, such as myself, and others across this country, intend to publicize and politicize the inaction and apathy to the point where it’s reflected in the ballot box.

Injured workers are fed up with being ignored and do not intend to keep quiet anymore
about the underhanded treatment they have been subjected to by the WCB.

To be under the impression that the Workers’ Compensation is in place to protect and provide security of funding for those injured on the job is a myth. Oh, yes there are a few who receive compensation, but those few are hand picked and approved by the Board, not necessarily base on medical evidence, but because of connections. (political decisions predicate who gets what, when)

Since 1999 , I have met well over 3000 injured workers here in Nova Scotia and god only know three times that from all across Canada, not one had a story that favoured the treatment they received from any of these Boards. I have written every single political party here in Nova Scotia and in Canada, not one had the guts to address this on going abuse, which is taking place under the watchful eyes of the Provincial and Federal Ministries of Labour.

Injured workers must take up the banner and educate our youth. We must inform our youth that getting involved in the building trades may very well be one of your worst decisions in their life. I say this, because the Workers Compensation Legislation empowers these Boards to abuse and ignore any right that an injured worker might have and that is yet to be proven that we have any rights. Educate public in general and politicize WCB sanctions.

I have been to foreclosures and funeral all brought on because this vile law piece of legislation made it happen. Everyone but the injured workers is protected. Companies associated with the Nova Scotia Workers Compensation Board are making a big money off the pain and suffering of injured workers’, while injured workers live in poverty.