Employers, injured workers would benefit from competitive marketplace

OLYMPIA— Thousands of large and small employers across the state are lining up behind Initiative 1082 this fall to introduce competition into the state’s workers’ compensation system. From large Washington state employers like Boeing, Safeway and Weyerhaeuser to small businesses like Tiz’s Door Sales in Everett, Washington state businesses hope to improve the state’s competitiveness, bolster private sector job growth and help get the economy back on track.

The Association of Washington Business, Washington state’s chamber of commerce, endorsed the measure on the recommendation of its board this spring and an unprecedented vote of the association’s 7,100+ members.

“We’ve got a system that is in crisis. Employers are already reeling from a down economy and additional tax hikes. Another double-digit workers’ comp increase could spell disaster for many businesses, especially small businesses, “said AWB President Don Brunell.

“Initiative 1082 is an opportunity to reset our state’s workers’ compensation system through a true free market system,” he said. “That’s the fundamental concern for many of our members. Right now, they have no other options. The state system is the only game in town.”

“We know in our industry competition improves the quality of our products and lowers prices for consumers,” said Greg Tisdel, president of Tiz’s Door Sales. “It’s the same thing with insurance, and when it comes to workers’ comp, I’d like to have the same choice and ability to shop around that my competitors have in 46 other states.”

For large employers — even those like Boeing who are self-insured — Initiative 1082 represents an opportunity to lower costs and provide employers with choice, particularly in a sluggish economy where every cent matters. And that means private sector employers are more likely to create much-needed jobs.

“Boeing is committed to improving the state’s competitiveness,” said Laura Peterson, Boeing vice president for State & Local GovernmentRelationsin the Northwest.“Washington state has one of the highest costworkers'compensation systems in the nation.We support I-1082 because it will provide employers with greater choice, introduce competition and reduce costs for many businesses.”

"I-1082 will help my business create jobs," said Betty Neighbors, president and owner of Terra Staffing Group, also located in Everett.

"Competition has lowered workers' comp costs in other states, and that's money Washington employers will put to job creation. Small businesses and workers deserve better than what they're getting from the state right now."

For a complete list of all endorsements and supporters of Initiative 1082, visit the Save Our Jobs website.

About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 7,100 members representing 650,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10. For more about AWB, visit http://www.awb.org/.

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