Atlanta Cops Speak Out about Lack of Workers Compensation

Staff Writer, May 22, 2009

Five police officers from Atlanta have spoken out about the city’s lack of concern for its employees. According to their claims, the cash-strapped city is cutting corners and questioning every need for medical services. One said that he suffered from broken bones after the city delayed the repairs of his wheelchair. Another was denied his supply of vital drugs. A surgery was delayed- resulting in bedsore-like infections. Yet another officer was questioned when he was required to be on oxygen.

The officers’ cases were presented in an Internet video that was produced by the International Brotherhood of Police. At a city council hearing, where the video was presented, a police union leader made a remark that he would like to hit the city’s mayor, Shirley Franklin, with a baseball bat. While he apologized for the comment, the sentiment remains the same.

Many cities, besides Atlanta, are struggling to pay their workers’ compensation claims because of cutbacks and the need to reduce government spending. However, many believe that these cutbacks should not come from the benefits that are offered to the city’s protectors.