Thomas Daschle: “since President Bush signed into law a provision to overturn the ergonomics rule, over 1.8 million workers have suffered…”

“since President Bush signed into law a provision to overturn the ergonomics rule, over 1.8 million workers have suffered ergonomic injuries. At that time Secretary Chao promised ``to pursue a comprehensive approach to ergo-nomics.'' However, now more than a year later, the Department of Labor has unveiled a plan that ultimately falls short of the substantive protections needed to protect America's workers. In response, Senator John Breaux and others have introduced a bill that would require that the Department of Labor promulgate a new rule on ergonomics within 2 years. I am deeply concerned that the administration continues to build on its record of putting special interests above working Americans. I believe that Senator Breaux's bill is an important measure that clarifies that workers deserve real protections, not more studies and voluntary guidelines. Unfortunately, the administration's late announcement fails to provide workers adequate protections. The administration's plan states an ``intent'' to develop voluntary guidelines for selected industries. Senator Breaux's bill will ensure that the administration provides real protections and not hollow promises.”