Hurt at work? What to do with the WCB (Worksafe BC)

The union's Compensation Appeals Department is here to assist UFCW 1518 members with their WCB (Worksafe BC) appeals.

If you have been injured at work, filed a claim, and now have a WCB decision letter you do not agree with and wish to appeal, it is vital you contact us right away, as there are very strict appeal deadlines. An appeal of a WCB decision must be filed within 90 days of the date of the letter, so the sooner you contact us, the better we can assist you!

All UFCW 1518 members have access to this service, which gives members the right as a worker to appeal WCB decisions, or to question decisions made by WCB. Workers who don’t have a union providing this type of representation typically have to go to the expense of hiring a lawyer to take on the WCB for them – as a UFCW 1518 member, you get this service free!  

Remember - we're here to help, but can only help with the appeal once a decision has been made and you have something concrete from the WCB to show us. For example, the Compensation Appeals Department will assist members when:

·        you receive a letter from WCB that states a claim is denied;

·        WCB stops paying you wage loss;

·        WCB refuses to pay for certain medical treatments;

·        WCB has accepted a claim, but refused to reimburse the member after they sent in a receipt;

·        you get something in the mail from WCB you don’t understand;

Basically, in order to act on your behalf, the Compensation Appeals Department needs a letter of some kind that you have received from WCB before we can get involved. Once you have the letter from WCB and have contacted the department (preferably well before the 90 day deadline), the file will be reviewed. The union’s Compensation Appeals Department lawyer reviews the decision letter, a file is created, and you are then sent an information package about the appeal process.

Once the member has contacted the Compensation Appeals Department, we take care of filing the appeal by the deadline. We write letters and any submissions needed to be made on your behalf. Members are kept informed at all times and copied on all correspondence. We also represent members at WCB hearings whenever necessary.

UFCW 1518 members can take advantage of this service by calling 604-526-1518 or toll-free 1-800-661-3708.

The union's Compensation Appeals Department works from the New Westminster office, and provides this service and assistance to members right across B.C.

“It is crucial that all members report their injuries immediately and seek medical attention if required,” says UFCW 1518 President Ivan Limpright. “Having all of this information properly documented will go a long way to ensure you are protected from unforeseen circumstances.”

“Please consult your Union Compensation Department if you have any concerns with any WCB issues,” says Limpright. “One simple phone call to the union can prevent members from having to endure a long appeal process before members get what they deserve.”