Ontario WSIB workers threaten strike as deadline looms
TORONTO -- Employees at Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board are threatening to strike if a new deal isn't reached by next week.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents the workers, said Thursday that employees want more money, more resources and more training.
"Too many of my coworkers are running on fumes," said Harry Goslin, president of the local chapter of CUPE that represents 3,750 workers.
"When the workers who deliver the very services Ontarians rely on are struggling, it has an unavoidable impact on service delivery."
The board provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to those who have work-related injuries and illnesses.
CUPE said it has a strike vote of 97 per cent in favour of labour action and has set a deadline to get a deal done by next Tuesday. There are two days of negotiations left before the deadline.
"If we need to take legal strike action, we are ready," Goslin said. "Sadly, we are not yet close to a deal."
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Labour, which is responsible for the WSIB, said it is encouraging both sides to resolve their differences at the bargaining table.
"We are confident that by working together the parties can reach a settlement," said Jennifer Rushby.
"The WSIB has been clear they will continue to process claims, and provide pay, medical coverage, and support to injured workers through this period."
Fred Hahn, the president of CUPE Ontario, said the workload has increased significantly for WSIB employees.
"A few years ago, the average WSIB case manager had about 70 cases to oversee, 70 injured workers, 70 families depending on them," he said.
"Today that number for some is ballooned to 140 cases, and some have more."
He said workers need the WSIB to provide more training. For example, he said, the organization used to provide six months of training to every adjudicator and case manager.
"That training has been cut in half," Hahn said.
"The results of all this are clear: an unreasonable workload for WSIB workers resulting in burnout, attrition, and understaffing -- a critical service that's not up to the task, leading injured workers waiting months for their benefits."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 25, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.