WINDSOR, ON – The union representing workers at the WSIB continues to be on strike, with picket lines in key communities across the province. In Windsor, the picket line has been set up outside local MPP Dowie’s office to help draw attention to the strike, and to remind the community that even though the WSIB has closed many of its satellite offices, the workers of OCEU/CUPE 1750 are still a key part of the community.
“We do what we do because we love our community,” said OCEU member and local picket captain Janice Tofflemire. “We want our MPP to remember that serving Ontarians isn’t just something for politicians to do.”
In a letter to a constituent obtained by OCEU, MPP Dowie’s office expresses concern about the picket line in front of their office. In the letter, a legislative assistant in his office said MPP Dowie was unable to meet with the OCEU picketers due to legislative responsibilities in Toronto this week. The union is calling on MPP Dowie and the Ford government to use their influence to force the WSIB management back to the table.
The union remains on picket lines after the employer locked OCEU members out of their work systems on Wednesday last week. “This is a lock-out, plain and simple. The employer is playing games with injured Ontario workers lives,” said Harry Goslin, president of OCEU. “If Mr. Dowie wants to help, he can use his influence as an MPP to demand the WSIB get back to the table.”
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For more information, please contact:
Bill Chalupiak, CUPE Communications Representative
416-707-1401
mb/cope491
