Labor and business found a happy medium in a compromise on state workers' compensation reform.

It is the first overhaul of the system in 15 years.

"This is a win-win for both labor and business," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi.

Highlights of the February agreement include increasing the maximum weekly benefit for injured workers from $400 to $500 next year, followed by a regular slate of benefit increases over the next two years.

Starting in 2011, benefits will be indexed annually to two-thirds of the state's average weekly wage. The agreement also increases the minimum benefit from $40 weekly to $100 and increases civil and criminal penalties for employers who don't carry workers' comp insurance.

"We consider this a good compromise, since it both increases benefits for workers and lowers premiums for employers," said Alan Lubin, NYSUT executive vice president.

Collaboration

The agreement was brokered after nearly a week of talks between representatives of Gov. Spitzer, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, the state AFL-CIO and the Business Council of New York. Because of the broad collaboration, swift passage in the Legislature is expected.

"This workers' compensation reform plan clearly shows that business and labor can find common ground to strengthen our economy and provide a better workplace for our workers," said Bruce Ventimiglia, who co-chairs BALCONY, the Business and Labor Coalition of New York, with Lubin.

BALCONY combines small and medium-sized businesses with labor organizations to advocate in New York state's public policy debate. Both NYSUT and the state AFL-CIO are members.

Visit www.balconynewyork.com/index.html for information.

— Kara E. Smith