Professor Spieler Honored with IAIABC 2021 Samuel Gompers Award

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10.28.21 — The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) has honored Professor Emily Spieler with the 2021 Samuel Gompers Award in recognition of her outstanding efforts “in improving the working conditions of the masses.” Bestowed annually, the IAIABC President’s Awards are given to those who demonstrate commitment and achievement in advancing workers’ compensation systems throughout the world.

“It’s a particular honor to be recognized for helping injured workers by the IAIABC, which is a broad international organization that focuses on compensation for injured workers. Although often overlooked, workers’ compensation is an essential part of the social safety net for vulnerable workers," said Spieler, who was presented with her award at the IAIABC 107th Convention on October 28.

Spieler focuses on the challenges faced by low wage workers and ways in which workers may exercise voice, with an emphasis on issues of retaliation and whistleblowing. She has just completed a one month academic residency at the Rockefeller Foundation center in Bellagio, Italy, where she was researching rights of whistleblowers in the U.S. and the E.U. Spieler has particular interest and expertise in areas relating to workplace injuries and illnesses and the problems faced by injured workers. She is currently active in attempts to address the effects of COVID-19 on vulnerable workers, working with the National Employment Law Project (NELP) and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health (MassCOSH).

Spieler has served as chair of the US Department of Labor Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee, of the US Department of Energy Worker Advocacy Advisory Committee regarding implementation of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000, and of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as well as serving as a member of numerous national committees relating to workplace safety and compensation for occupational injuries. During the winter of 2008-2009, she was a member of President Obama’s transition team for the Department of Labor.

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The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,000 employers worldwide in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.