A 33-percent rate hike next year for exmployers from Worksafe NB is not welcome news.
Joel Richardson of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters in PEI and New Brunswick says it came as a shock to all employers and to some municipal governments as well.
He says some contributing factors are more claims and claims for injured workers that are lasting longer.
“I think the most significant issue here is that the workers compenstation appeals tribunal has been making rulings, interpreting legislation that the province sets out in their own favour and that has added $87-million in additional cost to employers for next year,” says Richardson.
He says they have made requests to both the premier’s office and minister Donald Arsenault to talk about the legislation regarding the workplace compensation act.
Richardson claims it needs to be tightened up to allow the Worksafe NB board of directors to be able to control the cost and ensure the program is sustainable in the long term.
