Labor, Business Hash Out Changes To Wisconsin Workers’ Comp Program

Under a long-established process, the Legislature adopted and Gov. Scott Walker signed legislation last month that makes changes to Wisconsin’s workers’ compensation program that had been negotiated by labor and management. But some say a lawmaker’s attempt to sidestep the process and changes in other states, such as reducing benefits for injured workers and letting companies opt out of state programs, could signal disruption to come. “We’re very concerned,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.