Antonio Benevento has experienced first-hand the difference union representation makes.
1006A WSIB Advocate Martha Villeda helped Antonio recover the lost earnings he was entitled to, after the modified duties he was assigned to ended up worsening his condition.
Antonio’s experience with WSIB began two years ago after his knee was hurt in a workplace accident due to a faulty ladder. Immediately after his workplace accident, he was offered modified duties. However, the modified duties were not suitable, and his doctor advised him to take time off. While his workplace accident and healthcare was accepted, the time off for lost earnings were denied.
Villeda and the union fought hard for Antonio. They took his case to WSIB appeal, where the case was denied. They tried again, going to the tribunal, where Antonio’s case was finally accepted.
“I want to thank Martha and the union very much,” Antonio said. "She gave me a lot of help, listened and defended me. The union is very important for us because in some situations, we cannot resolve issues ourselves and we need the support and the defence they can provide.”
