Making Workers' Compensation Work Right for Minnesota's Union Construction Industry

“As a trustee on the Audit Committee, I am closely involved every year in determining how much revenue is required (from Subscription Fees paid by participating contractors) to support the operational needs of the Union Construction Workers’ Compensation Program (UCWCP). All of the trustees want to see the program add more contractors in order to bring the services to more union members. This also helps to reduce the assessment formula as operational costs are spread over a larger payroll base. I am pleased that the UCWCP has NEVER increased the assessment formula. Last year we were able to reduce the formula, and hold it steady this year, while increasing staffing and services that our union members and signatory contractors rely on.”

“Many of the contractors I work with have been long-time members of the UCWCP. I encourage them to familiarize themselves and their employees with the benefits the UCWCP provides, especially after staffing changes. I am glad to see the program provides online tools and contractor resources allowing the contractor to obtain a quick review of the program and learn how to use its benefits when they need it. Their services benefit everyone.”

“Injury prevention, as well as minimizing the losses of injuries that do occur, is a significant ‘profit-center’ for any successful company. Although our company has one of the lowest injury rates in our industry, the services provided by the UCWCP have reduced the expected costs associated with our claims. The use of a network of pre-approved treating physicians achieves the best medical outcomes and the dispute resolution facilitator quickly responds when a problem occurs. Recently the UCWCP’s alternative dispute resolution process helped in getting a complex claim settled. I was very satisfied with the prompt delivery of a resolution that I believe was fair to the employer and the injured employee.”