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Straight
Track #222
| Support HB 2449, End Injury
Harassment |
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Joseph C. Szabo
State Director, Illinois Legislative Board
United Transportation Union
Rail workers in Illinois have been given the power to end the practice
of rail carriers delaying, denying or interfering with the medical
treatment of injured employees. HB 2449 has been introduced in the
Illinois General Assembly and would prohibit such action by railroad
supervisors. It has passed out of the House Transportation Committee and
is now awaiting House floor action.
Opposition from the railroad industry has been intense. They are
claiming that the medical treatment of an injured employee is never
delayed, denied or interfered with. As State Legislative Director for
UTU, my assistant John Burner and myself have shared many horror stories
with the State Representatives. Ironically, the cases are so outlandish
-- although the are very, very real -- that the Legislators have trouble
fathoming that they are for real.
As rail workers we know better. We know what happens when either
we, or a coworker, get injured on the job. The truth gives us tremendous
power, but only if the story gets told.
It is time for action. All rail workers in Illinois should contact
their State Representative with a simple message: "Support HB 2449." It
can be that short and simple. If you feel comfortable, take time to
share a real life experience with the Representative. Share with them a
real life experience of medical treatment being delayed, denied or
interfered with.
To determine who your State Representative is, and the address,
phone and email information, click on this link:
http://www.elections.state.il.us/dls/pages/SelectOfficialSearch.asp
Likewise, to read a copy of HB 2449, and track it's progress,
click on this link:
Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB2449.
Once you have made contact with your Representative, your job is
not done. It is imperative that you personally take the time to talk to
fellow coworkers and involve them in this effort. By spreading the word
we can multiply our strength.
UTU members should regularly check the web page of the UTU
Illinois Legislative Board at
www.illini.utu.org for regular updates. Likewise, by going to the
web page and signing up for "Rapid Response" you will be sent regular
updates with information on who to call, how to call, when to call, and
what to say. It is quick, simple, and free way to exercise your power.
You would be amazed at the effect of these contacts with legislators.
You have so much more power than you realize.
If all rail workers from across Illinois get involved, we will
win. We will pass HB 2449. Likewise, if apathy rules, we will have
squandered this opportunity and will loose. It is that simple. The
choice between victory or defeat is entirely yours. Have you had enough?
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