Nelson v. SAIF Corp.

GILLETTE, P. J., Pro Tempore

Claimant seeks judicial review of a Worker’s Compensation Board order reversing the referee’s decision in claimant’s favor. The issue, one of first impression in Oregon, is whether employer-paid medical insurance and pension benefits should be included in the Workers’ Compensation Act definition of wages in the calculation of benefits. ORS 656.005(27).1 The Board held that they are not encompassed by the definition. We agree.

Claimant suffered a compensable injury on October 11, 1983. At the time of the injury, he was a member of the Oregon Public Employees Union.…