The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board continues to process injury claims and provide services across Ontario as unionized employees enter their second week of strike action, with union executives remaining absent from negotiations for seven days.
Members of the Ontario Compensation Employees Union began striking on May 21 after executives instructed them to withdraw all services. The work stoppage affects hundreds of WSIB employees, though the organization says it continues operating with non-union staff and union members who chose not to strike.
“When someone is injured at work, they need to know that the WSIB is here to help, and we are,” said Jeff Lang, president and CEO of the WSIB. “Since the strike began, we have continued to help people recover and return to work because that’s job one for all of us.”
Services continue with reduced capacity
The WSIB has processed hundreds of claims and answered thousands of calls since the strike began, according to Lang. The board continues making income replacement payments to workers off the job due to workplace injuries.
“I’m so proud of this team and look forward to our full team being back together so we can keep supporting Ontarians who need us,” Lang said.
Workers and employers can still access most services through the WSIB website around the clock, including reporting injuries, submitting claim documents, checking payment information and registering new businesses. Phone support remains available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, though callers should expect longer wait times.
Union executives absent from bargaining
The strike continues as union executives have not returned to the negotiating table since walking away a week ago. The WSIB says union representatives have not responded to the organization’s latest contract offer.
The work stoppage will continue until the two sides reach a negotiated agreement. The WSIB is providing service updates on its website at wsib.ca and through its social media channels.
Response times for non-urgent inquiries and services are expected to be longer than usual during the strike.
