The United Food and Commercial Workers Union, joined by the AFL-CIO, has successfully pressured the Bush Administration to rule on a standard requiring employers to pay for personal protective equipment (PPE), putting an end to eight years of stalling tactics.
“This is a victory for workers who have suffered needlessly while awaiting action by the Bush Administration,” said Joe Hansen, UFCW International President. “According to OSHA’s own estimates, 400,000 workers have been injured and 50 have died while the rule has been in limbo. We expect a strong final rule this November.”
An estimated 20 million workers use protective clothing, lifelines, face shields, gloves and other equipment. In 1999, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) first proposed a PPE rule that would require employers to protect workers from job-related hazards. The Secretary of Labor filed documents in the D.C. Circuit March 14 agreeing to issue the final rule by November.
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I remember writing about this the first time around. It was amazing, after talking to OSHA and other trade unionists -- seeing the importance and thinking, ok -- this is a no brainer. Then it disappeared for eight years and a few law suits later -- I guess better late than never, but how many worker dollars and injuries took place in the last eight years?
Richard
www.unionreview.com
Posted by Richard on March 30, 2007 at 8:39 AM
Posted on March 30, 2007 at 8:39 AM