Ontario’s injured workers face growing backlogs while frontline staff call for fair wages, safe workplaces, and an end to U.S. outsourcing
TORONTO- 3,600 members of the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750), who support more than 5.6 million workers across Ontario, are now entering their second week on strike- the first full-scale work stoppage in the WSIB’s 110-year history.
The strike stems from dangerously high workloads, chronic understaffing, stagnant wages, and a toxic workplace culture- conditions that have created growing backlogs for injured Ontarians. Adding fuel to the fire, the Ford government has allowed WSIB to outsource critical Ontario jobs to U.S.-based companies, undermining public services and costing local jobs.
“Our members are passionate about helping injured workers – but they are workers too,” said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. “The Ford government and WSIB management are refusing to fix the growing crisis inside the system. Instead, they’re sending Ontario jobs and public dollars to American companies. That’s not cost-saving – it’s job-killing. And it flies in the face of Ontario’s own Made-in-Canada promises.”
WSIB staff have been locked out of their work systems, harassed for participating in legal strike action, and targeted by private investigators hired by management to monitor picket lines.
Meanwhile, WSIB has spent $14.5 million on U.S.-based coaching firm BetterUp, and is finalizing a contract with American company Iron Mountain that will eliminate 26 Ontario jobs tied to vital document management.
“Instead of coming to the table with real solutions, the employer is stalling negotiations and using intimidation tactics, while Ontario’s injured workers face longer wait times and growing backlogs,” said Goslin. “This strike was avoidable. We remain ready to negotiate, but management must stop the intimidation, end the outsourcing, and bring forward a fair deal.”
WSIB is solely funded by Ontario employers – not taxpayers. In the past year, the Board handed out $4 billion in rebates to employers but refuses to invest a fraction of that in addressing staff workloads, fair wages or improving the services available to injured workers.
The outsourcing of public sector jobs and the failure to address core issues at WSIB set a troubling precedent for Ontario’s broader public services.
“All workers deserve fair pay, safe workplaces, and respect,” Goslin said. “This strike can end tomorrow if WSIB and the Ford government come to the table with a real deal. It’s time to stop the delay tactics, end the intimidation, and invest in the people who keep Ontario’s public services running.”
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For more information, or to arrange an interview with OCEU/CUPE 1750 President Harry Goslin, please contact:
Bill Chalupiak
CUPE Communications Representative
416-707-1401
mb/cope491
