Unions take note of Blackwell's privatization ideas for BWC

Sept. 6, 2006 - Unions across the state—in the private and public sectors —are keeping a close watch on the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation and any rumblings of future privatization plans.

In light of the recent debate and growing interest in the governor's race, state employees especially are taking note that Blackwell wants to "explore" privatizing BWC and eliminate more than 2,000 jobs.

A recent Toledo Blade article stated: "Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell, a Republican, is the most interested of the leading candidates in exploring privatization. His spokesman, Carlo LoParo, said Mr. Blackwell believes the bureau's Oversight Commission must step down and that the bureau's investment wing should be moved to the treasury."

The news article quoted Blackwell's spokesman as saying, "Why is Ohio one of the very few states in the nation that has a government-run bureau of workers' compensation? In the 1990s, privatization of workers compensation was explored. It was even placed on the ballot and rejected. It may be time to reevaluate the privatization of the bureau of workers' compensation."

OCSEA disagrees. Union leaders believe that public employees are still the best workers for the job.

See Related

News Article - Scandals rekindle debate for private workers' comp; Ohio is 1 of just 5 states to run its own system