And so the SAWW grows!

An increase in California’s State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) to $1,059.38 in the 12 months before April 2012 brings glad tidings of higher wages (or fewer jobs) and the unfortunate effect of increased temporary disability payments, as per Labor Code section 4453.  (Much to the surprise of some, this Labor Code section does not actually entitle any worker to a free, state-sponsored saw, but actually has to do with SAWW – state average weekly wage.  But, perhaps, some day?)

The DWC has an announcement that starting January 1, 2013, the temporary disability minimum will be $160 and the maximum will increase to $1,066.72 per week.  Mark your calendars folks!

The glass half full folks will no doubt say that this shows that California workers are faring better and that the economy is improving.  The glass half empty folks will no doubt say this shows there are fewer jobs and the ones that are left are a bit higher-paying than the average was before.