Business And Labor Shake Hands On New Law

MetroNews, April 21, 2005

Governor Joe Manchin has signed a bill into law that is the result of a compromise between the state's labor and business interests.

The Deliberate Intent Reform Bill clarifies language in state code dealing with situations when an employer does something to deliberately and intentionally injure a worker. Employers believed the old language was too broad and opened them up to lawsuits from injured workers. Supporters say the new law protects the employer and the employee.

West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts says the problem with the language has existed for 23 years. He says the new law makes it clear that workers who are deliberately and intentionally injured can sue their employers, but those who are injured, by accident, can receive benefits through workers' compensation.

West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenny Perdue says labor wants the injured worker protected. He says labor does not favor others who have gotten big money awards through loopholes in the old law.

Perdue says this is a good example of how labor and business can work together on legislation that benefits both sides.