Vibration White Finger claim news
10/07/2007

MP calls for 100% compensation

The National Union of Mineworkers is to pay back thousand of pounds to members after the union was accused of cashing in on compensation resulting from work accidents. A large number of these payouts were for Vibration White Finger claims.

One branch, Durham, is writing to around 10,000 members who had a 7.5% membership fee deducted from their awards. This follows an accusation made by North Durham MP Kevan Jones that the union had been wrongly deducting chunks from miners' compensation awards, meaning workers were not receiving the 100% compensation that they deserved for their work-related injuries.

The union gave a statement in which they said, "The contractual contributions made by members to the union's legal fighting fund, following the successful conclusion of claims for Vibration White Finger and/or chronic pulmonary disease, have been voluntary since last August.

"Under this agreement, if a member no longer wishes to support the union in its legal battles, they can apply for a refund of the voluntary contributions.

"Following discussions with the Legal complaints service, the DMA [Durham Miners Association] has written to 10,000 members or their family representatives, whose claims were previously closed, giving them the same opportunity of a refund."

This news will be welcomed by miners who have been left unable to continue working as well as the families of miners who have been left short of funds as a result of debilitating industrial diseases such as Vibration White Finger (VWF). Many miners develop this condition which restricts blood flow to the fingers, making use of the hands difficult and painful. It is usually caused by repetitive use of vibrating tools and machinery such as those commonly used in the mining industry.

MP Kevan Jones said the following in response to the statement, "I welcome the fact the Durham NUM are now offering to give people their money back. I think it is the right decision.

"The money should never have been taken in the first place. I would urge as many people as possible who have had anything deducted from their compensation to come forward and ask for their money back.

However, Durham NUM insist that they should not be compared to some personal injury solicitors and unscrupulous compensation claim firms who take up to 40% from claimants compensation awards.

Read more about how you can make a Vibration White Finger claim with us today.