Ohio House Review of Worker’s Comp Council Firings Begins March 24

A state House of Representatives committee will review a council created to protect Ohio’s insurance fund for injured workers in the wake of the firing of the council’s three-member staff.

House Insurance Committee Chairman Dan Dodd of Hebron, a Democrat, said that hearings on the Ohio Workers’ Compensation Council will begin March 24. He says the group has cost employers nearly $1 million and has completed just one bill analysis.

The council was created in 2007 in the wake of an investment scandal at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

The staff of the council has accused director Virginia McInerney of wrongful discharge, religious discrimination and harassment, age discrimination and retaliation.

McInerney fired the three employees – two staff attorneys and an executive assistant – on Feb. 16.

Employees previously had complained about the leadership style and priorities of Director Virginia McInerney. McInerney was reported to have viewed the staff as often disrespectful, moody and at times uncooperative.

Ohio Workers’ Compensation Council: www.wcc.state.oh.us