Artificial Ice & Fuel Co. v. Department of Labor & Industries

These consolidated appeals involve the assessment of premium rates to be paid under the workmen’s compensation act. The trial court, on appeal from orders of the department of labor and industries requiring the payment of the statutory basic rate instead of on the basis of a merit rating, made findings of fact and entered judgments reversing the orders and declaring that the plaintiffs were entitled to the benefit of earned merit ratings. The department has appealed.

Over a period of years the Raymond and Bunting families of Yakima were engaged in business of a character which required them,…