The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board will continue processing claims and paying income support to injured workers during a strike by more than 6,000 employees that began Wednesday.
The Ontario Compensation Employees Union walked off the job after rejecting the WSIB’s latest contract offer, which included enhanced benefits and a wage increase above inflation for 2025. The union has not responded to the offer, said WSIB President and CEO Jeffery Lang.
“Our number one concern is helping the people who depend on us for support,” said Lang. “We are focused on making sure income support continues for people as they recover from an injury or illness.”
The strike will impact some service timelines, but the WSIB has implemented measures to minimize disruptions, including automated payments for most claims. New claims will be prioritized based on urgency of need.
Limited services during labour disruption
During the strike, injured workers can access the WSIB website 24/7 to report injuries, submit claim documents, view payment information and access health benefits. Telephone support remains available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, though wait times will be longer than usual.
Non-striking WSIB employees are providing priority services, while the board works with partners and healthcare providers to maintain essential services.
“We’re proud that WSIB employees are well compensated in both benefits and wages,” said Lang. “We are ready to reach an agreement that is fair for our employees and focused on delivering better, easier, and faster service to the people who need us.”
Impact on workplace injury system
Response times for non-urgent inquiries and services are expected to be delayed during the labour disruption. The WSIB provides workplace injury insurance to more than 5.3 million people across more than 300,000 Ontario workplaces.
When workplace injuries or illnesses occur, the WSIB provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and return-to-work support. The system is funded by Ontario businesses and provides no-fault collective liability insurance.
“People who suffer workplace injuries or illness depend on us for help,” said Lang. “I encourage our OCEU partners to return to the bargaining table to end this disruption and get back to serving the people we are all here to help.”
Service updates will be posted on the WSIB website at wsib.ca and on social media.
