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National Post

As Strike Continues, OCEU Sends Letter to Ministers and Engages in Productive Discussion with Labour Minister Piccini

Article content TORONTO — As the WSIB strike enters its second month, there is renewed hope for progress. The Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750) has sent a formal letter to Labour Minister David Piccini and Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney, urging them to end government interference in bargaining and help bring a fair resolution to the ongoing labour dispute. Article content Encouragingly, during an information picket held Thursday outside Minister Piccini's Seniors Seminar in Port Hope, OCEU President, Harry Goslin, had a productive and constructive conversation with the Minister. Article content 'We had a sincere discussion, and I'm hopeful that Minister Piccini will use his role to help bring the employer back to the table,' said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. 'WSIB workers are ready to get back to doing the work they care about — serving injured workers and protecting Ontario's compensation system. We just need a fair offer we can bring to our members.' Article content In the letter sent this week, OCEU warned that behind-the-scenes directives from the Treasury Board and continued political silence have contributed to a prolonged strike, delaying critical care and services for injured workers and increasing pressure on frontline staff. The union is calling on the government to allow the process to move forward free of political interference. Article content Despite being employer-funded — not taxpayer-funded — WSIB has so far refused to table a fair deal or let members vote on its latest offer. But the union is hopeful that renewed dialogue with Minister Piccini will mark a turning point. Article content 'We're optimistic that with political will and leadership, a final offer can be brought forward that puts an end to this disruption,' said Goslin. 'Our members want to return to work — and they deserve a respectful deal that reflects the essential services they provide.' Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content