Your workers' compensation program is based on a collective bargaining agreement between the Local Unions No. 228 (Marysville), No. 62 (Castroville), No. 246 (Fresno), and No. 442 (Stockton), also known as District Council 36, of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada and the Mechanical Contractors Council of Central California.

This agreement is administered by the Labor-Management Safety and Oversight Committee -- a balanced board of union and management members, similar to your health & welfare and pension plans.

Among other things, the LMSOC approves the lists of doctors and vocational rehabilitation consultants that can provide services to injured union employees.

The LMSOC hires the ombudsman, mediators, and arbitrators to assist in answering injured worker questions and resolving disputes.It is AOE's aim that claims are resolved and problems are solved without resort to lengthy and costly litigation.

Your program is designed to deliver high quality medical care, expedite delivery of benefits, and provide access to an impartial expert for help in resolving problems.

Members of the LMSOC want you to obtain the benefits to which you are entitled and receive quality medical care which will assist in returning you to your employment at the earliest possible time.

Please contact the ombudsman if you have any questions regarding your AOE adr program for workers' compensation, your medical services or what you need to do to help resolve your claim.