YOUR WCB ADVOCACY DEPARTMENT

HURT AT WORK? HURT BECAUSE OF WORK?

If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of a workplace incident or because of something related to your job, UFCW Local 401’s WCB Advocacy Department may be able to help you.

UFCW Local 401 members have free and confidential access to a team of professional WCB Advocates whose job is to assist you with injury claims and dealings with the Workers’ Compensation Board and your employer.

Why wait and wonder if we can help? Give us a call and let’s talk it through.

While WCB Advocacy is available to all UFCW Local 401 members across the province, the department is based out of our two largest offices. Please call the one closest to you.

Calgary Office – 403.291.1047

Edmonton Office – 780.452.0362

Toll-Free: 1.800.252.7975

NOTE ABOUT THE CANADA POST STRIKE:

If you’re expecting correspondence, pay, and information from the WCB may experience delays due to the Canada Post strike. The WCB offers the following solutions:

Online services:

– You can download the mywcb app to view correspondence, pay information, and medical reporting.

– You can complete the EFT (electronic funds transfer ) form online, which allows WCB to direct deposit benefits.

Other options:

– Cheques can be picked up at the WCB offices.

– Call 1-866-922-9221 for information.

UFCW Local 401’s WCB advocacy department is here to support and help as well. Reach out to us and we’ll be happy to assist you!

YOUR RIGHTS

The Workers’ Compensation Act provides many rights and protections to Alberta workers so that they may access their entitlements under the law. Here are some of those rights:

YOU CANNOT BE FIRED OR DISCIPLINED FOR FILING A WCB CLAIM. It is against the law for any employer to penalize you for submitting a WCB claim when you are injured at work.
If you are disciplined or terminated following a work-related injury or WCB claim, PLEASE CALL US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to discuss the circumstances.
YOU CAN FILE A WCB CLAIM EVEN IF YOU THINK THE INJURY WAS “YOUR FAULT.” Some consider WCB to be like a “no-fault” insurance system. This means you can still have an acceptable claim even if it is found that you might have caused the accident.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE YOUR DOCTOR. Your employer may request that you immediately see a physician of their choosing. You don’t have to. You have the right to see the physician(s) of your choosing.

WHEN IN DOUBT, PLEASE CALL US!

We can walk through any situation you’re in and advise you on the best way to deal with things.

WCB ADVOCACY SERVICE

Your WCB Advocacy Department provides free and confidential assistance and advocacy services for UFCW Local 401 members who have been hurt as a result of their employment.

Our WCB Advocates have experience assisting with all types of claims related matters such as:

Claims, Claim Denials, and Appeals
Wage Loss Benefits and Reviewing Your Benefit Rates
Medical Benefits
Vocational Benefits
Personal Care/Home Maintenance and Housekeeping Allowance
Return to Work Plans
Assessing the suitability of temporary or permanent accommodations

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU SHOULD FILE A WCB CLAIM?

The Workers’ Compensation Board recommends you file a WCB claim if:

1. You have been injured at work or as a result of your work.

AND

2. Your injury has:

caused you to seek medical treatment;
caused you to miss time from work; or
required changes to your regular job duties.

WHEN IN DOUBT, PLEASE CALL US!

HOW TO FILE A CLAIM

- TELL YOUR DOCTOR. When you see your doctor about a work-related injury, tell them how it happened.
- TELL YOUR EMPLOYER that you’ve been hurt at work.
- TELL YOUR UNION. Let our WCB Advocacy Department help you through the claim process.

Click here for more details about what to do when you’re injured in your workplace, and how the process works.

FORMS

To investigate a claim, your union WCB Advocate will need authorization to access your WCB claim. This requires you to fill out two forms.

WCB Authorization of a Representative

UFCW Release and Acknowledgement Agreement

PLEASE NOTE: The WCB will only allow one formal and one informal representative on your claim.

In order to represent you in your dealings with the WCB, UFCW Local 401 must be authorized as your FORMAL representative. This allows us to access information about your claim verbally, in writing and in person, so we can ensure you are being treated fairly. The WCB will provide us a copy of your claim so we can thoroughly review complex issues and prepare for an appeal. We will also receive a copy of all correspondence sent to you so we can actively monitor your claim.

If you have general enquiries and require assistance from a family member or friend when speaking with WCB staff, we recommend you make them an INFORMAL representative. If WCB receives more than one authorization for a formal representative, our access will be revoked, and we would no longer be able to review or discuss your claim with WCB on your behalf.

If you have questions about the authorization process, please contact your UFCW Local 401 WCB Advocate.