WCB to rule on rate appeal

Shortly before presstime, the directors of Ontario’s Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) were scheduled to review an appeal of 1994 rates. The appeal was launched by the Ontario Mining Association (OMA).

The WCB announced the rate structure in October, and although it reduces rates for gold, nickel and uranium miners, the drop does not reflect the significant improvement in safety recorded by the industry, says John Blougg, secretary and manager of industrial relations for the OMA.

The OMA met with officals of the WCB prior to the rates being set and offered alternative rate structures. One alternative would see diamond drillers and mining contractors pay higher rates than those approved by the WCB in October. In casting the deciding vote against the OMA proposal, WCB Chairman Odoardo Di Santo, abandoned the consultation process, Blougg says.