Negotiations produce modest steps toward reform

OLYMPIA— The Association of Washington Business released the following statement today regarding the workers’ compensation reform agreement reached in the Legislature:

“Today’s announcement is good news for our members who continue to struggle with double-digit rate increases on top of a turbulent economy,” said AWB President Don Brunell. “The governor has told us this package of reforms will lower the 2012 rate increase, and that should provide some much-needed relief from continued year-after-year rate increases. Voluntary settlement agreements have proven successful in several other states – both in terms of helping injured workers and lowering the tax burden on employers.

“Workers’ compensation is a critical component of our employment system and a key part of our state’s overall competitiveness. Voluntary structured settlements will provide some systemic relief, but this agreement cannot be the last step in the journey toward reform. We must continue to work together – business and labor alike – to find solutions that work for employers and injured employees. Washington state’s workers’ compensation system cannot continue indefinitely in its current state – even with the changes reflected in this agreement. And that is a conversation that will need to continue after the gavel falls this spring,” added Brunell.

“We thank the members of the Legislature and the governor for their willingness to address this key issue in a bipartisan manner before heading home.”

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 7,400 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 www.awb.org.

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