Union testifies on federal workers’ comp program
Washington – The head of the National Treasury Employees Union recently called on the government to focus on injury prevention in its effort to reduce federal workers’ compensation costs.
In written testimony (.pdf file) submitted to the Senate Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia Subcommittee, NTEU National President Colleen M. Kelly expressed opposition to insurance benefit cuts and a forced retirement provision.
Kelly voiced support for a review of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program, provided the review emphasized workplace safety and did not focus solely on benefit payments.
FECA entitles an injured employee who is unable to work to receive 67 percent of his or her wages. NTEU supports the Federal Workers’ Compensation Modernization and Improvement Act (H.R. 2465), which would amend FECA to cover terrorist attacks, increase the maximum benefit for head injuries and burial expenses, and expand the time frame for continuation of pay for employees injured in combat zones.
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