The Ontario Compensation Employees Union reports that 131 workers in Windsor are set to lose their jobs due to redundancies identified by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. President of the OCEU, Harry Goslin, expressed concerns over the impact of these job cuts on the community, stating that the loss of these well-paying jobs will have detrimental effects.
Windsor, along with nine other communities in Ontario, will experience reductions in WSIB staff numbers. The union highlighted that Windsor will be among the hardest hit, with only Sudbury and Waterloo facing more significant job losses. In total, 466 WSIB employees have been informed of redundant positions, with more notifications expected in the coming year.
Employees facing job cuts have the option to relocate to other WSIB positions or accept exit packages, according to Goslin. The OCEU emphasized that these staffing cuts reflect a broader trend of eliminating stable public-sector jobs, leading to decreased service quality for injured workers and increased workloads for remaining staff.
The WSIB responded to inquiries by stating that claim and account management functions are being consolidated, necessitating role relocations and adjustments to local staffing needs. The agency acknowledged the difficulty of these changes for affected employees and their families, offering support services such as resume writing assistance and mental health support.
The closure of the Windsor WSIB office in 2024 has already impacted the local community, with all WSIB employees now working remotely. Additionally, the termination of support for Injured Workers Outreach Services has left many struggling to navigate the claims process, as noted by regional representative Liz Garant. She expressed concerns that the layoffs will lead to increased workloads for remaining employees and potential burnout.
The provincial government’s review of various agencies, including the WSIB, aims to enhance efficiency and productivity. While Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy emphasized the importance of sustainability in operations, Goslin raised concerns about the added strain on already under-resourced WSIB employees. He emphasized the negative consequences these cuts could have on injured workers in Ontario.
