The union representing workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the WSIB have yet to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, and discussions between the parties have come to a halt.
The bargaining team for OCEU/CUPE 1750 is looking to see the WSIB take meaningful steps to reduce what the union calls dangerously high workloads, which are driving up rates of depression and anxiety among their members.
“Our members need the employer to work with us to reduce these workloads,” said President of OCEU/CUPE 1750, Harry Goslin. “We came to the table ready to work through these issues and get a deal, but instead we learn the shocking truth that employee health and safety is not a priority.”
According to the union, the WSIB has given rebates of $4 billion to employers in 2025 but won’t invest any of the remaining billions of dollars of surplus to improve working conditions within the organization or to expand access to the 1.56 million workers in Ontario not currently covered by the WSIB.
The union entered a legal strike position as of 12:01 am on Wednesday.
Picket lines were set up at the WSIB headquarters in Toronto on Thursday around noon.
Picket lines will also be forming in Kingston, London, North Bay, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, St. Catherines, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins, and Windsor on Thursday and Friday.
Thunder Bay will have pickets set up in front of MPP Kevin Holland’s office from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
Kenora’s pickets will also be set up on Friday in front of MPP Greg Rickford’s Office from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the WSIB has released a statement about the ongoing strike action initiated by the union.
“The WSIB remains at the bargaining table and has not heard from the union since Monday,” said the WSIB in a release. “The WSIB has submitted the most recent offer in the negotiation process and is awaiting a response.”
The WSIB added that as the union members withdraw service effectively striking, members have been asked to call in to jam WSIB phone lines.
“Our top priority is helping people. Rather than pursue further disruption, the WSIB is focused on bargaining and ensuring critical services continue to be offered,” said WSIB President and CEO, Jeff Lang. “We will do everything in our power to support people who rely on what we do.”
The WSIB has initiated its business continuity protocol, which involves turning off technology and building access for those participating in a strike.
WSIB employees not represented by the union are working to provide priority services during the strike.
The WSIB is also working closely with partners and health care providers to ensure minimal disruption to the services they deliver.
Telephone support will also be available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, though wait times are likely to be higher than usual.
Response times for non-urgent inquiries and services are also expected to be impacted.
