The 1199 Workers’ Compensation Team

1199 takes workers’ compensation very seriously because healthcare is one of the most hazardous occupations in the State. Over one thousand members are injured on the job annually, and the Union stands ready to assist and represent all injured members, including appearances at Informal, Pre-formal and Formal Hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Last year the Union represented injured members at over 300 hearings in all 8 WCC Districts.

Here’s the Team:

Ken Jones is a 30 year veteran of State service at CT Valley Hospital in Middletown where he has been a Union delegate for 11 years. While at CVH he observed many co-workers injured on the job and he himself had a serious work-related injury. His experiences prompted him to get involved in Workers’ Compensation representation in 2002. He works part-time as a Workers’ Compensation Organizer and has represented our injured members at hundreds of hearing. He has successfully obtained wage replacement benefits, State employee full salary benefits, medical treatment, and permanent disability payments for our members’ job-related injuries.

Stephanie Messina is the newest addition to the Workers’ Compensation Team. Having joined in 2009, she brings nearly seven years of pro-claimant law firm experience to the 1199. In 2002, she received a B.S. in Justice and Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University and in 2005 obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Fairfield University. At this time, she is currently a Graduate Assistant and finishing her M.A. in Criminal Justice Management from Sacred Heart University. In addition to her 1199 involvement, she holds per-diem behavior technician positions at numerous mental health and correctional facilities within Connecticut. She is available to represent our members at all 8 WCC Districts.

District 1199/WC/October/2009