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Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Statement from CUPE WSIB Specialists on the Impact of Ongoing Strike on Workers' Compensation Services
MARKHAM, Ontario, June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the strike at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) continues, CUPE's WSIB Specialists – lawyers and paralegals who represent CUPE members in appeals at the WSIB and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal – are raising urgent concerns about the growing disruption of critical services that injured workers rely on. "Workers are already feeling the consequences of this work stoppage, and the impact is both immediate and serious," said one CUPE specialist, speaking with OCEU. "One worker's retroactive Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits are currently stalled in WSIB payroll, after months of delays already caused by the employer. Now, with the strike ongoing, that delay is only compounding." Specialists are also reporting widespread delays in case processing, including file access, reconsideration requests, and Appeals Resolution Officer (ARO) reviews. These vital processes are now expected to take weeks or even months longer. "The employer has assigned managers and directors to oversee the work of case managers, but many are unable to provide clear answers or timelines," the representative said. In another troubling case, a worker was given incorrect information about the delivery of urgently needed compensation cheques. "I was told by a Case Manager that the worker's claim had gone to payment just before the strike and would be sent by courier that same day. I passed that information on to the worker." However, the cheques did not arrive. "The worker was understandably frustrated and in distress. When I called WSIB, I was told - after being placed on hold - that courier delivery could actually take up to 10 business days. That's not what we were originally told, and it certainly doesn't help the worker who has been waiting desperately for these funds." "This is not an isolated glitch. It reflects the deeper dysfunction we're seeing throughout the system," said the specialist. "WSIB continues to claim there are no interruptions to service. But we know that's simply not true." CUPE's WSIB specialists stand in solidarity with the OCEU and the broader community of injured workers in calling for a swift resolution to the strike and immediate action to restore timely, reliable access to workers' compensation services. mb/cope491 View source version on Contacts Bill ChalupiakCUPE Communications Representativewchalupiak@ 416-707-1401
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Statement from CUPE WSIB Specialists on the Impact of Ongoing Strike on Workers' Compensation Services
MARKHAM, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the strike at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) continues, CUPE's WSIB Specialists – lawyers and paralegals who represent CUPE members in appeals at the WSIB and Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal – are raising urgent concerns about the growing disruption of critical services that injured workers rely on. 'Workers are already feeling the consequences of this work stoppage, and the impact is both immediate and serious,' said one CUPE specialist, speaking with OCEU. 'One worker's retroactive Loss of Earnings (LOE) benefits are currently stalled in WSIB payroll, after months of delays already caused by the employer. Now, with the strike ongoing, that delay is only compounding.' Specialists are also reporting widespread delays in case processing, including file access, reconsideration requests, and Appeals Resolution Officer (ARO) reviews. These vital processes are now expected to take weeks or even months longer. 'The employer has assigned managers and directors to oversee the work of case managers, but many are unable to provide clear answers or timelines,' the representative said. In another troubling case, a worker was given incorrect information about the delivery of urgently needed compensation cheques. 'I was told by a Case Manager that the worker's claim had gone to payment just before the strike and would be sent by courier that same day. I passed that information on to the worker.' However, the cheques did not arrive. 'The worker was understandably frustrated and in distress. When I called WSIB, I was told - after being placed on hold - that courier delivery could actually take up to 10 business days. That's not what we were originally told, and it certainly doesn't help the worker who has been waiting desperately for these funds.' 'This is not an isolated glitch. It reflects the deeper dysfunction we're seeing throughout the system,' said the specialist. 'WSIB continues to claim there are no interruptions to service. But we know that's simply not true.' CUPE's WSIB specialists stand in solidarity with the OCEU and the broader community of injured workers in calling for a swift resolution to the strike and immediate action to restore timely, reliable access to workers' compensation services. mb/cope491
National Post
8 hours ago
- Business
- National Post
WSIB quietly confirms backlog and costly shortcuts as strike nears third week, union says
Article content TORONTO — The Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750) is sounding the alarm after an internal message sent to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) staff confirms a growing backlog of injured worker claims, directly contradicting recent public statements from WSIB leadership. Article content 'For weeks, the WSIB has publicly denied any backlog, but now we know the truth,' said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. 'They just decided–due to a backlog–to automatically allow the claims that would normally require review, even those to which an employer has objected; this is not just dishonest, it's dangerous and will cost employers dearly.' Article content In an internal memo sent to WSIB staff over the weekend, senior management announced temporary adjudication changes to 'help manage the volume of claims during the labour disruption.' These changes mean essentially all claims for physical injuries will be automatically allowed, including those with: Article content Delayed reporting or medical attention Gradual onset injuries Prior conditions Employer objections. Article content The memo admits the changes 'increase risk' and that WSIB expects more objections and reconsiderations in the future. It also states these measures will be 'turned off once we've worked through the backlog.' Article content 'Let's be clear, this confirms what we've been saying all along. There is a backlog. The employer has been misleading the public, and now they're cutting corners in an attempt to keep up appearances,' Goslin said. 'This lockout needs to end so that union members can get back to taking care of injured Ontarians.' Article content The strike, which began May 21, is now nearing its third week, and injured workers, employers, and frontline staff are all paying the price for the WSIB's refusal to negotiate in good faith. Instead of resolving the dispute, management is resorting to costly shortcuts and spin. Article content OCEU/CUPE 1750 remains unwavering in its commitment to a fair deal that upholds public service standards, protects the integrity of Ontario's workers' compensation system, and ensures injured workers get the support they deserve, without compromise, delay, or deception. It's time for the employer to come back to the table and end this strike now. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content
CBC
18 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Hundreds of striking WSIB workers rally in downtown Toronto after talks break down
Hundreds of striking workers at Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board rallied in downtown Toronto on Monday, calling on their employer to find a "fair compromise" on outstanding issues. About 3,600 members of the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU), also known as CUPE Local 1750, which represents workers at the WSIB, have been on strike for better wages and working conditions since May 22. The union and employer met on Saturday and Sunday in mediated bargaining talks, but talks broke down on Sunday evening. Thomas Chang, OCEU's vice-president for Toronto, said the WSIB rejected the latest offer. "OCEU remains available to negotiate, but needs to see a meaningful move by the employer to meet our member core needs," Chang told the rally. Chang said the mediator has decided to hold off on mediation until both sides come closer together. Picket lines will continue until a deal is reached, he said. The union's bargaining team will provide an update to members this week at a town hall. In an interview later, Chang said: "We've made significant moves to find common ground on wages, workload and seniority, and they have not come back to the table." The WSIB said in a news release on Monday that its latest position includes above-inflation wage increases, improved benefits and a commitment to continue to improve workload. It called on the union to return to negotiations with "fair and realistic expectations" to reach a deal. "When people are hurt at work, we help them recover and return to what matters, and we're getting the best results in a decade," Jeff Lang, president and CEO of the WSIB, said in the release. "I hope our team sees our position as a genuine effort to put this strike behind us and get back to what we do best: helping people." Meanwhile, the WSIB said appeals of its decisions continue to be on hold while the strike continues. Christine Arnott, spokesperson for the WSIB, said in an email on Monday that new claims are still being processed. "Anyone with an existing claim is continuing to receive any income support and health care they need. Any new claims are being registered the same day and will receive the health care they need and income support if they are off work," Arnott said. "Unfortunately, appeals of previous claims are on hold until the strike is resolved." Injured worker says wait has become longer for appeal At least one injured worker says he feels as though he is in limbo. Freddy Ilabaca, a former construction worker from Ajax, said he is waiting to learn the outcome of an appeal filed with the WSIB. His back was injured in March 2023 and the WSIB stopped payments in August 2023. He is currently on long-term disability. IIabaca is fighting with the help of his union to have the matter resolved. Now with the strike continuing, his lawyer has told him he needs to wait longer than expected. He said he has children, owns a home and now there is only one income in his family. "Everything is on hold right now," Ilbaca said. "To me, it's just like now it's more delayed than it was before. It was hard enough in the beginning just to get an appeal. Now that we have an appeal, now that's stopped. It's frustrating," he added.
National Post
a day ago
- Politics
- National Post
NDP MPP Lise Vaugeois to Join WSIB Strike Picket Line in Thunder Bay
Article content THUNDER BAY, Ontario — NDP MPP for Thunder Bay–Superior North, Lise Vaugeois, Shadow Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, with responsibility for WSIB and Injured Workers, will join the picket line at 605 Sibley Drive on Monday, June 9, 2025, in support of 3,600 striking WSIB workers represented by the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750). OCEU/CUPE 1750 members, have spent over two weeks on strike, are calling for fair wages, safer workplaces, and an end to the outsourcing of Ontario jobs to U.S.-based firms. Article content Article content The picket line will run from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with MPP Vaugeois expected to arrive at 10:00 a.m. to deliver remarks. Article content 'Instead of listening to injured workers and front-line employees, WSIB management and the Ford government decided to shut them out and contract out critical services to the US. Now injured workers are paying the price with delays and backlogs while employers pocket millions in unjustified rebates. Ontarians deserve better,' said Lise Vaugeois, MPP for Thunder Bay–Superior North. 'This is the sixth time I've publicly stood with CUPE 1750, and I continue to call on WSIB management to return to the table and deliver a fair deal that respects staff and ensures injured workers get the support they deserve.' Article content Since the strike began, MPP Vaugeois has been a vocal advocate at Queen's Park, raising workers' concerns in the legislature and pressing the Ford government to address the ongoing WSIB crisis. Article content 'MPP Vaugeois has been an incredible ally, bringing our picket lines into Queen's Park and hammering the government on our behalf,' said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. 'It's a great pleasure to now have her join us on the line in person. Her support means a great deal to our members in Thunder Bay and across Ontario.' Article content OCEU/CUPE 1750 members continue to face chronic understaffing, stagnant wages, and growing pressure to outsource essential public services. The union is calling on the Ford government and WSIB leadership to invest in frontline workers and protect good, unionized jobs in Ontario. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
