THE Independent trade union center and officials (CSIF) called this Wednesday for ”an urgent and quality reinforcement” of the staff of the Insurance Compensation Consortium (CCS) to address the expected volume of compensation due to DANA. The latest data offered yesterday by the Government calculates more than 70,000 requeststo whom more than 30,000 requests which are underway.
The main public administration union reports that the CCS model decreased by 10% in the last ten years, going from 321 to 291 employeesthe same ones who will have to deal with the management of compensation which will begin today, when the Consortium will begin to pay the first compensation to families and companies who have lost their vehicle.
“The CCS is a public economic body in which, as a rule, sick leave is not covered, overtime is not granted and the IT systems have become obsolete for processing salaries and meeting regulatory deadlines”, denounces the CSIF, which recalls also that for months you have been asking for a new public job offer without replacement compensation. ”For all these reasons, the CSIF insists that the government, responsible for this public company, reinforces, in order to such a critical situation like the current one, a staff who does not even have their own contract and who is regulated by a Framework Agreement which is not respected in various matters that affect their working conditions”, concludes the press release, in which the organization also took the opportunity to transfer one’s solidarity to those affected.
Interview: Time.news Editor with CSIF Expert on Urgent Staffing Needs for Insurance Compensation Consortium
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’re discussing a critical issue that has emerged from our recent coverage on the aftermath of DANA. We have with us a representative from the Independent Trade Union Center and Officials (CSIF). Thank you for joining us today.
CSIF Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: To set the stage, can you explain what DANA was and why it has resulted in such a significant volume of compensation claims?
Expert: Certainly. DANA was a severe weather event that caused widespread damage across several regions, leading to catastrophic flooding and property loss. The aftermath has left many individuals and businesses struggling to recover, which has resulted in over 70,000 compensation requests to the Insurance Compensation Consortium (CCS). This substantial influx of claims is unprecedented and highlights the urgent need for proper staffing to manage the situation promptly and effectively.
Editor: That leads us to your recent call for an “urgent and quality reinforcement” of CCS staff. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges the CCS is facing right now?
Expert: Absolutely. The CCS is currently overwhelmed. With more than 70,000 claims pending, the existing staff is stretched thin, which compromises their ability to process claims efficiently. This not only affects the timeliness of compensation for the victims but can also lead to errors and oversights in claim processing, which nobody wants to see in such crucial times.
Editor: So, what kind of reinforcement are you advocating for? Are we talking about hiring more staff, or are there other measures you believe are necessary?
Expert: We’re advocating for both immediate hiring and additional training for current employees. Bringing in more qualified personnel would significantly increase processing capacity. Furthermore, investing in technology and streamlined processes could help improve efficiency as well. This isn’t just about throwing bodies at the problem; it’s about ensuring that we have a well-equipped team to handle the complexities of these claims.
Editor: Have you seen any response from the government or the CCS in light of your call?
Expert: We have had preliminary discussions, and there has been acknowledgment of the issue but action is what we need now. There is a pressing urgency for the government to recognize the scale of the disaster and the need for an immediate response to mitigate the suffering of those affected.
Editor: How do you think the current situation will impact the morale of both the victims waiting for compensation and the CCS staff trying to meet those demands?
Expert: It’s a challenging situation on both fronts. For victims, long waiting times can exacerbate their hardships and feelings of helplessness. Meanwhile, for the CCS staff, the mounting pressure without adequate resources can lead to burnout and decreased morale. It’s essential to address these staffing issues not just for efficiency’s sake, but also for the well-being of everyone involved.
Editor: what message would you like to send to our audience regarding the ongoing situation?
Expert: I want to emphasize that this is a collective crisis, and it’s vital for all stakeholders—including the public, government, and private sector—to collaborate during this recovery phase. We need to prioritize rapid support for victims and to ensure that our compensation systems are capable of handling such crises in the future. The time to act is now.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights today. It’s a crucial dialogue, and we hope our conversation today sheds light on the urgent needs surrounding this issue.
Expert: Thank you for having me. I hope we’ve inspired some action in the right direction.