Disability Management: A Longstanding Trade Union Mission with Some New Initiatives

Abstract

Disability management, because it involves persons already in the workplace, may be the aspect of rehabilitation closest to the interests and concerns of the labor movement. Unions have a long history of involvement in rehabilitation and disability management. This article describes that history, and a current initiative, and concludes that for the 14% of the labor force belonging to trade unions, the union is an important actor, and may even hold the key, to return to work following the onset of disability.