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Index September 2007
Newfoundland Leaders' Debate - Injured Workers Confront Leaders To Call For a Judicial InquiryInjured Workers Converge on Political Leaders Outside the NTV Studios Just Before the NFLD Leaders' Debate
Report from One Injured Worker Who Attended the Rally:The Newfoundland and Labrador Injured Workers Association called for a rally to confront the political leaders outside local NTV studios.Approximately 100 injured workers converged onto the NTV parking lot awaiting the arrival of the N.D.P., Lib., and P.C. leaders. Patricia Dodd, head of the association, organized this rally to call for a judicial inquiry into the actions of WHSCC. Watch NTV tonight 12 midnight Newfoundland time. Other news media including VOCM News, C.B.C. and others, interviewed many injured workers. Premier Danny Williams was swamped by injured workers as he got off his tour bus in front of the studios located on Logy Bay Road in St. john's Newfoundland and Labrador. Media had a difficult time trying to get close as about 30 injured workers immediately surrounded Premier Williams and Ms. Dodd. Many wore or carried hurriedly made signs calling for a judicial inquiry, pointing out injustices, and other issues. Liberal leader Gerry Reid appeared visibly moved and shocked at the pleas coming from this hastily gathered group seeking justice. All participants were respectful, orderly, but determined to be heard. I missed Lorraine Michaels, leader of the N.D.P., but her car was in the parking lot. NTV News personality Sharon Snow interviewed me at length, and I made it a point to state that I was not associated with the Newfoundland and Labrador of Injured Workers Association and was speaking for myself. I also made it a point to mention CIWS.CA and WCBCANADA.COM After the show tonight I will post again to let you know how NTV presented the rally. VOCM approached me and asked for a radio interview with me, which I gladly granted. I can assure you my friends, I did not hold back. My only consideration for having a moderate demeanor was the fact that I had no part in the organization of this event and was just another concerned citizen backing up Ms. Dodd's call for a judicial injquiry. At 7 P.M., the leaders aired their debate. It will be interesting to see if they will respond on air tonight to this request by so many people suffering from the same injustices. More news will follow. Hello Fellow Injured Workers, NTV is airing the leaders debate along with clips showing Patricia Dodd of the Newfoundland and Labrador Injured Workers Association shaking hands with Gerry Reid, leader of the opposition. Ms. Dodd is asking Mr. Reid for a judicial inquiry into WHSCC and Dept. of Labour. Standing next to Ms. Dodd is Mr. Fred Palmer, bringing support to Ms. Dodd and letting all in attendance know that injured workers in all Provinces are behind her efforts. Premier Danny Williams showed his ignorance by boldly stating he is not in favour of a review because he doesn't think it is a big enough worry. He appeared rather miffed that there would even be a suggestion of such a thing. Gerry Reid doesn't appear to understand the issues either, but was at least willing to talk further about the issues. When approached by injured worker Len Starkes he appeared genuinely concerned as Mr. Starkes explained his suffering. As for N.D.P. candidate Lorraine Michaels, she assured us injured workers issues are on the table. I just wonder if she knows what they are? My hat is off to one NTV employee. As I approached the building with my cane and limp, there were two security guards blocking me. I asked them if I could use the bathroom, never thinking my request would be refused. Not only was it refused but I was told by one guard to walk to the gas station down the road. After a very brief hesitation to contemplate whether I should attempt such a difficult task, I told the guards that maybe I should go out back and piss on the wall. At this point a more sensitive person from inside the building called me in and escorted me to the bathroom. I thought this rather appropriate as the politicians get the limelight while the injured worker gets the toilet. One observation I made was a personal one. I had never been exposed to such a large group of injured workers in close proximity before. There was an immediate bond of understanding between us all. No need to explain to each other, just acceptance. At the same time I realized that I could not tell who was injured? Some certainly, some maybe or most likely, and some I was surprised to know they had any disability. A curious thought came over me as I realized that a non injured person would be unable to understand how a person with no obvious physical deformities could be suffering and unable to work. Many were in chronic pain, some in braces, a few with canes including myself, but now I see why it is so easy for WCB to deny benefits and get away with it. If the public sees no outside sign of disability, they have no understanding of it, see no need to help us, and allow WCB to do what they want to us. It is a problem of perception. Let us hope the politicians perception surrounding injured workers issues has increased. If a group of suffering people carrying signs and pleading for a judicial inquiry does not increase their perception, then what will? ALSO read: The Real News Junkies - Leaders Debte / Injured Workers Rally / Newfoundland and Labrador Back to Article Index |
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