WORKCOVER REDUCTIONS 22 February 2008

WORKCOVER - WHAT REDUCTIONS WOULD MEAN TO YOU

The PSA has reported previously on the WorkCover Board's recommendation to Government to cut Workcover payments to injured workers.

The suggestion by the WorkCover Board is that workers would be paid 95% of their income upon acceptance of the Workcover claim. Thirteen weeks after the claim has been accepted, the payments would be reduced further, to 75% of normal weekly earnings.

In annual dollar figures the proposed reduction in payments are as follows:-

	PO2 TOP INC	TGO1 TOP INC	ASO2 TOP INC	OPS3 TOP INC
Annual Salary	$68,023.00	$48, 283.00	$43,193.00	$49,762.00
Payment 1-12 weeks at 95%	$6,621.85	$45,868.85	$41,033.35	$47,273.90
Loss from original salary	$3,401.15	$2,414.15	$2,159.65	$2,488.10
Payment 13 weeks reduced to 75%	$51,017.25	$36,212.25	$32,394.75	$37,321.50
Loss from original salary	$17,005.75	$12,070.75	$10,798.75	$12,440.50

The Board also suggested that all payments for medical treatment would cease twelve months after a return to work. This too is a significant reduction in the current scheme and would have serious consequences for those workers who never have any significant period out of the workplace, but require ongoing medical support to be able to continue to work.

The Government has not made a final decision on what reductions will be made to injured workers' benefits. The information provided here reflects the recommendations of the WorkCover Board.

PSA, together with SA Unions, opposes cuts to worker entitlements which further impact financially on injured workers.

Enquiries to Chief Industrial Officer Peter Christopher on 8205 3224 or email pgc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR PSA/CPSU MEMBERS

22 February 2008