In January 2009, approximately 1,500 Honduran workers at Nike Inc.'s Choloma and San Pedro Sula factories were shocked when their workplaces were shut down without notice.  Since then, anti-sweatshop university and student groups have been pressuring Nike Inc. to pay the laid off workers the compensation and severance they deserve.

Initially, Nike refused to pay the workers, arguing that it was the responsibility of their subcontractors, Vision Tex and Hugger.  However, on Monday, Nike Inc. announced the approval of $1.54 million in workers' compensation to be paid to the laid off Honduran workers.  The compensation will be distributed between workers based on length of service and earnings.

Scott Nova, director of the Workers Rights Consortium, stated his belief that Nike will "fully compensate workers for what they are owed".  On the contrary, many groups still believe the workers are owed around $2.2 million in severance payments.  

If you or someone you love is seeking workers' compensation, contact the Chicago workers' compensation attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at 312-466-8200 to learn more about your rights. 

On July 9th, a coal miner was killed in a southern Illinois underground mine accident.  The accident occurred when 61-year old Thomas Brown was hit by a 20-ton loaded shuttle car at the Willow Lake mine.

Brown's death makes the U.S. mining death toll 41 so far this year.  As coal extraction rates have increased in the recent years, so have mining related deaths.  The Willow Lake mine alone employs 400 workers and operates year round, seven days a week.  Since 2008, Willow Lake has been cited at least 12 times by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration for violations of workplace safety in life-threatening conditions.  MSHA records show Willow Lake has had 34 accidents injuring workers so far this year, and 62 since last July 2009.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Brown's family and friends. 

A fatal building collapse on the Illinois State University campus has forced the university to examine 16 other buildings to determine whether there are structural flaws that may lead to future accidents. A 57-year old excavation worker was killed when a column fell on top of the cab of his excavator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently investigating the accident, but may not be able to release it's findings until this June.

Workplace accidents can often cause serious injuries or death. The Chicago worker's compensation attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. are here to help you if you or someone you love has been seriously hurt in an accident at work. Contact us at 312-466-8200 to discuss your claim today.