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On December 2, 2025, North Carolina lawmakers faced criticism from labor groups over a new workers compensation reform bill that is currently making its way through the state legislature. The bill, which is being championed by Republican lawmakers, aims to introduce several changes to the state's workers compensation system.One of the key components of the bill is a provision that would cap the maximum amount of compensation that injured workers can receive. Under the proposed legislation, injured workers would only be able to receive a maximum of 80% of their average weekly wage, significantly reducing the amount of financial support available to individuals who are unable to work due to on-the-job injuries.Labor groups, including the North Carolina AFL-CIO and the North Carolina Justice Center, have been vocal in their opposition to the bill. They argue that the proposed changes would disproportionately impact low-wage workers and would make it even more difficult for injured workers to make ends meet while they recover from their injuries.In addition to the compensation cap, the bill also includes provisions that would make it easier for employers to deny workers compensation claims. Under the proposed legislation, employers would have greater leeway in determining whether an injury is work-related, potentially leading to an increase in denied claims and leaving injured workers without the financial support they need.Despite the pushback from labor groups, Republican lawmakers argue that the bill is necessary to reduce costs for employers and promote a more business-friendly environment in the state. They point to statistics showing that North Carolina has some of the highest workers compensation insurance rates in the country, and they believe that the proposed changes would help to lower costs for businesses and ultimately benefit the state's economy.As the debate over the workers compensation reform bill continues, it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will be able to find a compromise that addresses the concerns of labor groups while still achieving the bill's stated goal of reducing costs for employers. In the meantime, injured workers in North Carolina will be watching closely to see how this legislation could affect their ability to receive the support they need in the event of a workplace injury.