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TORONTO — The union representing workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is reporting that after a long weekend negotiating with the employer, talks are no further ahead towards a deal.

“Despite a promising step to extend the negotiating period to May 21st, the union and the employer remain at an impasse on the fundamental issues impacting over 3,600 union members at the WSIB,” states the bargaining team for OCEU/CUPE 1750 in a May 20 statement.

The union held a strike vote on May 1 and received a 96 per cent yes vote from members. On Thursday, (May 22) the union stated there will be rolling strikes for unionized members. 

“Our members are ready,” said Nicole Francis, chief steward of OCEU/CUPE 1750. “The WSIB employees have never had a labour disruption, but the current senior management team seems determined to change that.”

The union is arguing that the WSIB has given rebates of $4 billion to employers this year but “won’t invest any of the remaining billions of dollars of surplus to improve working conditions within the organization or expand access to the 1.56 million workers in Ontario not currently covered by the WSIB.”

The workload is one of the key issues in talks.

The WSIB released its own statement explaining the board will continue to process claims and pay income support to those off work due to work-related injury or illness during a labour disruption.  

“Our number one concern is helping the people who depend on us for support,” said Jeffery Lang, WSIB president and CEO. “We are focused on making sure income support continues for people as they recover from an injury or illness. The WSIB is here to help.”   

The release adds, the WSIB is “disappointed that OCEU has walked away from the bargaining table. The union has yet to respond to the WSIB’s latest offer which includes enhanced benefits and a wage increase above inflation in 2025.”

“We’re proud that WSIB employees are well compensated in both benefits and wages. We want them to continue to be paid well for the work that they do,” added 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.” 

WSIB employees not represented by OCEU are providing services during the strike.