WorkCover Vigil - 2 February 2010

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VIEU invites members who currently have or previously had a WorkCover claim to attend a Victorian Trades Hall Council vigil to protest against negative changes to the WorkCover legislation. The vigil will be held on the steps of State Parliament from 12 noon on 2 February 2010.

The vigil will mark the first sitting day of the State Parliament this year and should take approximately one hour. We would love to see you, if you are able to attend, and any of your relatives and friends who can join us to help protect Victorian workers’ WorkCover rights and conditions.

Background Information

As you may be aware, the Victorian Government has undertaken a review of the Victorian Workers Compensation system. Unfortunately a number of the changes the government has decided to make to WorkCover will seriously reduce the rights and entitlements of injured Victorian employees, including those who work in non-government schools and colleges.

Of great concern to VIEU is the difficulty employees suffering stress-related illness will have in ever lodging a successful stress claim. Also of concern is the decision that Return to Work rights will be reduced by the lack of legislative power, and benefits may be stopped if an injured worker moves interstate or resigns.

We will assemble at the VIEU banner on the steps of Parliament, Spring Street, Melbourne, and look forward to seeing you there.