Public Employee Press

Deadline set for 9/11 Workers’ Comp

By JANE LaTOUR

Some 300 DC 37 members from many different locals attended a union seminar Saturday, Oct. 14, to learn about new Workers’ Compensation provisions for city employees and volunteers who helped in the rescue, recovery and cleanup at the site of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack.

DC 37’s Safety and Health Dept. organized the session to inform members about the recently enacted provisions, which provide a new but brief window of opportunity for those exposed to take advantage of the programs being offered.

The seminar gave representatives from the New York State Workers’ Compensation system and the Mount Sinai occupational health clinics, as well as union pension advisers a platform to reach concerned union members with this vital information.

Diane Stein, from Mount Sinai’s World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program, pointed out that the various programs have different deadlines for applying.

Attorney Robert E. Grey spoke about the 9/11 Workers’ Comp changes signed in August by Gov. Pataki. Although the law doesn’t include people who were ordered back to work near the disaster site, “We have told everybody who feels they might have a Workers’ Comp claim to file,” said DC 37 Safety and Health Director Lee Clarke.

“Unfortunately, we have a fight on our hands about the coverage of the new provisions. Fortunately, as a union, we’re prepared to fight it,” she said. When a new governor is elected in November, the union will have an opportunity to pass improved legislation covering everyone affected by the ill effects of 9/11.

The deadline for workers and volunteers who were exposed to register with the Workers’ Comp system is Aug. 14, 2007. Individuals who register before this deadline will preserve their rights to file claims if they develop a 9/11-related illness in the future. Registration involves filing a WTC-12 Form with the New York State Workers’ Comp Board. Injured workers must also file a C-3 form. A link to the WTC-12 form is available on the DC 37 Web site at www.DC37.net.

Dennis L. Deahn, director of Field Services for the DC 37 Health and Security Plan, described the process involved in protecting the pensions of injured and potentially injured workers. He stressed the importance of filing the form, called “Notice of Participation in WTC Rescue, Recovery or Clean-up Operations,” with the New York City Employees’ Retirement System by the June 13, 2007 deadline.

“Get on file to protect your rights. File it now, get it stamped, get a receipt and get a copy,” he said. Attorneys from six law firms were available at the seminar to speak with members and to help them through the process. Local 375 Safety Chair Mike Kenny said, “The process needs to be streamlined and user-friendly. Today’s conference helps our members to navigate the multitude of tasks necessary to be eligible for the major benefits that were discussed.”