The food processing industry is vast, filled with dedicated workers puling long hours to provide the world with necessary (and delicious) edible goods. Members of the BCTGM are no different, bringing their dedication to a variety of food companies and employers in the United States and Canada while enjoying the safety standards ensured by the union. For BCTGM members that experience work accidents, it may be possible to get compensation for the financial costs of their injury. Continue below to see if you may be eligible by working with BCTGM to file a workers’ compensation claim. BCTGM The Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union (BCTGM) began as the Journeyman Bakers’ Union in 1886. Over time, the union saw success and began to absorb other unions in similar industries looking for the regulated wages, working hours, and safety precautions that BCTGM ensured union enforced. As of 1999, BCTGM assists over 74,000 members in a variety of companies, from canning, packing, and mechanized industries to other, less labor-intensive industries like food science and dietary studies. Potential Injuries The food industry requires employees to work in demanding and sometimes dangerous conditions. However, employees from any food industry job (or any job, for that matter) are always at risk for unexpected accidents. Injuries a BCTGM worker may encounter while on the job include: cuts from sharp tools used to slice, pack, or can food products bruising and/or internal injury from falling heavy machinery or storage bins illness caused by tainted food products or chemical exposure burns caused by hot product or liquids slips and falls due to spilled product or cleaning supplies Any of these injuries, and many more, are capable of qualifying for repayment through workers’ compensation. If you are interested in receiving compensation for your injury, then it is best to begin the process as soon as possible. Preparing for Your Claim Workers comp’ claims vary slightly depending on your company and its relationship with your union. Before beginning the process, it is best to speak with a BCTGM representative for assistance. They can help you to understand how the union’s “collective bargaining agreement” (CBA) will determine your workers’ comp process. Regardless of this information, there are certain key ingredients that a workers’ comp claim must always contain. These can be broken into three categories: Your personal statement. Write down everything you know about the accident. How were you injured? What happened before, during, and after the event? Be as detailed as you can — this is how your employer will understand everything that occurred in your situation. Evidence of the event. Take pictures of the scene of the accident. Provide any physical evidence, such as photos of the faulty tools or injured clothing/belongings, that may also be of use. You can also get statements from coworkers that witnessed the event, which can help solidify your claim. Medical evidence. Save all doctor’s notes, test results, and hospital bills. This will help to not only prove the severity of your injury, but explain why you are requesting your particular compensation amount. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Even with the help of BCTGM, nothing compared to the professional legal assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney. They can help you to compile evidence, speak with your union representative, write your demand letter, negotiate with your employer, and represent you further should your initial claim be denied. Even better, workers’ comp attorneys typically work under contingency, meaning you only pay for their services if they win your case. Consider a free consultation with a workers’ comp attorney in your area before filing your claim. Additional Resources Workers’ Compensation for Injuries at Food Manufacturers Injured Working for General Mills?* Disclaimer: The content of this article is purely informative and should not be construed as official legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.*
