Dear MPP:
On behalf of more than 290,000 Ontario workers represented by CUPE Ontario, I am writing to express our deep concern and opposition to the WSIB’s decision to permanently close nine offices across Ontario this year followed by a 10th location next year — a decision that will result in more than 600 job losses across the province.
These closures will eliminate stable, family‑supporting public‑sector jobs in communities already facing economic strain. They will reduce service capacity for injured workers, increase workloads, undermine the WSIB’s mandate, and contradict the government’s stated commitments to regional economic growth, workforce development, and population retention. These are precisely the types of jobs our community is working to attract and retain.
The WSIB has not demonstrated how service levels will be maintained with over 500 fewer staff this year and more than 600 total by next year. Past attempts to assign claims through a province‑wide queue have failed, depriving workers and employers of the local insight required to navigate complex cases. Removing on‑the‑ground expertise will make the system harder to access and less responsive.
There is no financial justification for these cuts. The WSIB’s budget is in a healthy surplus with total investments of over $40 billion, and an organization that has delivered over $21.5 billion in cumulative savings to employers since 2018. This government agency should not need to reduce staffing or close offices. The WSIB has provided no evidence that these closures are necessary or that they will improve service delivery. In fact the organization has stated the volume of work has not changed.
Government officials, including the Minister of Labour, have stated publicly that they have been reassured service will not be impacted. We are asking you directly: Has the WSIB shown you how this is possible with more than 600 fewer employees in 2026? We need your help demanding a clear explanation.
OCEU has repeatedly requested this information from WSIB leadership, and they have been unable to provide it. We are strongly urging you to call for an immediate pause on these closures at least until the WSIB publicly releases the rationale, evidence, and service‑impact analysis behind this decision. Ontarians deserve transparency before hundreds of jobs and essential services are eliminated.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and for advocating on behalf of OCEU members, injured workers, and all Ontarian workers.
Sincerely
<your name>
