WSIB strike enters sixth day as bargaining stalemate continues

Tuesday marks day six of strike action involving union workers with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario (WSIB).

Both sides say they want to get back to the bargaining table but they are at an impasse over pay increase and workload improvements.

Talks stalled last Wednesday between WSIB employees and the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU). Members were then locked out of computer systems and sent home.

The union which represents over 3,600 workers, shifted from rotating strikes to a full work stoppage and condemns reports that the WSIB hired outside help to replace striking employees.

“Our collective bargaining isn’t going well,” said Justin Dailey, head picket captain for OCEU 1750.

Dailey says since being locked out Thursday, their employer has not come to the table with a fair agreement.

“One of the biggest concerns we have is that the workload is very excessive for all our workers. We want it to be more manageable so we can put our best foot forward for the injured worker,” Dailey said.

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“There is a proposal on the table, an initial offer that does include above inflation increases. And if the union executive has another proposal, then we invite them to bring that forward,” said Aaron Lazarus, vice president of communications at WSIB.

According to the WSIB, non-union management and union workers choosing not to strike are currently providing services.

“I would say to people in Hamilton that if you are injured at work, the WSIB is here for you,” said Lazarus.

Further, they explain existing clients with claims will still receive benefits and service will continue.

“Wages are a part of it, workload is the other big issue,” said OCEU president, Harry Goslin.

According to the union, they rejected the WSIB’s offer and have invited them back to the table to negotiate.

They say the WSIB has failed to respond.

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They claim a 4.5 per cent wage increase over three years is not good enough, and are concerned about the mental health of its workers in light of a survey conducted late last year.

“The WSIB Ontario results are the worst they’ve seen in a decade of conducting the survey across Canada,” Goslin said.

CUPE Local 1750 claims the survey involved one-third of the workforce and shows mental health concerns directly related to an overwhelming caseload.

The WSIB claims the study is false.

“We read the study and on page 2 it said that the administration was not done properly. That people did not have confidence in it because the response rate was so low,” said Lazarus.

The WSIB further cites an internal employee experience survey boasting 90 per cent of those surveyed want to stay at the company for another year.

Both sides say they are willing to return to negotiations, but no date has been set for further discussions.

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