Workers comp suffered under Liberal watch, says Mantha

NEWS RELEASE MICHAEL MANTHA, PROVINCIAL NDP CANDIDATE FOR ALGOMA-MANITOULIN ************************* NDP: Liberal cuts to injured workers’ benefits disturbing ELLIOT LAKE - Algoma-Manitoulin NDP candidate Michael Mantha continues to raise alar

NEWS RELEASE

MICHAEL MANTHA,

PROVINCIAL NDP CANDIDATE

FOR ALGOMA-MANITOULIN

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NDP: Liberal cuts to injured workers’ benefits disturbing

ELLIOT LAKE - Algoma-Manitoulin NDP candidate Michael Mantha continues to raise alarm bells over the internal changes to WSIB benefits under the Liberal watch.

“The all-out assault under the Liberal government on injured workers is alarming. These are some of our provinces most vulnerable citizens and they need our support. People are outraged to see continuous government mismanagement and scandals, and money flowing into the pockets of corporate CEO’s while injured workers continue to suffer.” Mantha stated.

Today the Manitoulin and North Shore Injured Workers (MNSIW) were stationed at the bridge in Little Current ensuring that voters were aware of the Liberal mistreatment of injured workers.

“I have met with many of these workers and their families and have brought their concerns to Queen’s Park. Sadly our efforts continue to fall on the deaf ears of this Liberal government.” Mantha said.

“Since 2009 when David Marshall became the head of WSIB, we have seen drastic reduction of benefits for injured workers. While Marshall receives a 20% bonus on his $400,000 salary, WSIB claim denial rates have shot up by 50%. There has been a cut of $631 million in benefits and vocational training has been slashed from 19 months to five months.

"The average annual benefit paid to an injured worker at a 6 year post injury review has been reduced by 28.6%. There has also been a reduction of 31.3% in permanent impairment awards from 2010 to 2011.

“I will continue to work with those organizations fighting to protect the rights of injured workers across Algoma-Manitoulin and the province. This government needs to ensure that injured workers are not harmed further by these reckless policy changes and New Democrats will continue to stand up for the rights of injured workers.” Mantha asserted.

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