Strike Action Intensifies for WSIB Workers in Ontario

In a dramatic development, around 3,600 employees of the Workforce Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) across Ontario have embarked on strike action, now deep into its second week with no resolution in sight.

Approximately 65 of these dedicated workers are based in Guelph, represented by OCEU/CUPE 1750, demanding urgent attention to their concerns.

Locked Out and Ready to Fight

After the latest contract expired on April 30, workers faced a lockout that barred them from accessing their systems last Wednesday.

The WSIB's workforce includes caseworkers, nurses, return-to-work specialists, and claims managers—all crucial roles for supporting Ontario’s injured workers.

High Workloads Impacting Mental Health

Stephanie Duggan, the head picket captain in Guelph, voiced a central concern: "Our members are overwhelmed by their workloads, which is affecting their mental health and hindering our ability to serve injured workers effectively."

Mark Melnick, the assistant picket captain, noted, "Initially, we planned a rotating strike to minimize disruption, but after being locked out, we’re committed to standing firm until our systems are unlocked."

Guelph's Eyes on the Picket Line

While Guelph's picket line is among the smaller ones, it’s drawing attention as workers actively protest in front of the Service Ontario building on Stone Road since Monday.

A Call for Fairness and Respect

The union has been picketing across Ontario since last Thursday, with initial actions starting in Toronto. In a recent twist, the union issued a call to return to negotiations on Saturday, only to receive a letter from the WSIB suggesting a limited set of proposals would be prepared for the negotiation table by Thursday.

A mediator has become involved, with hopes from the union that discussions will resume soon.

"One of our primary demands is to be treated with respect," Duggan emphasized, highlighting the need for a fair agreement and manageable workloads to better serve injured workers.

WSIB Stands Firm in Negotiations

The WSIB has asserted that its latest offer remains available, asserting that essential services continue to function with approximately 1,000 non-unionized workers and many unionized workers choosing to continue their roles during the strike.

Aaron Lazarus, WSIB’s Vice President of Communications, stated, "We’re achieving the best results we’ve seen in over a decade in assisting people to return to work and recover, and we aim to maintain this momentum."

The Stake at the Negotiation Table

Lazarus reassured that clients will continue to receive their payments and healthcare access, although some services may experience delays due to the ongoing strike.

The WSIB proposed an 'above inflation' wage increase for 2025, while the union is advocating for nearly a 10% increase, signaling potential room for negotiation.

As the pressure builds, both sides remain hopeful for serious discussions to ensure fair conditions for all workers involved.