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Unions urge council to keep workers' compensation in‑house and approve ADR for firefighters
Summary
City employees, union leaders and firefighters told the council that Anaheim's in‑house workers' compensation program delivers strong audit scores and that outsourcing would harm service; speakers asked the council to agendize in‑house ADR options and hire additional staff instead.
Multiple employees and union representatives addressed the council during the Housing Authority joint session to oppose any proposal to outsource the city's workers' compensation program to a third‑party administrator.
Christie Sukasam, a workers' compensation examiner who said she has 22 years of experience, told the council the city's program "truly takes care of its employees" and urged members to "choose people over process" and keep claims handling in‑house. "Please vote to keep workers' compensation in house and invest in the staff who already know the city," she said.
AFSCME and Anaheim Firefighters Association representatives described a jointly negotiated alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program tailored to expedite orthopedic, cardiac and cancer claims for firefighters. Jason Barlow, secretary of Anaheim Firefighters Local 2899, said similar programs elsewhere have reduced delays and denials and helped injured workers return to duty faster.
Outside counsel and management consultants presented supporting data, arguing ADR can compress decision timelines while preserving medical review. Several speakers — including AFSCME representatives — urged the council to agendize the ADR item for open session and to direct staff to fill vacant claims‑examiner positions.
Council did not take a final vote on the outsourcing question at tonight's meeting; members asked staff to bring forward agenda and staffing options in upcoming sessions.
