The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a significant reduction in staff numbers and the closure of physical offices in northern Ontario. The Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU) disclosed that several positions are set to be eliminated in various locations across the province. This includes 55 jobs in Thunder Bay, 20 in Sault Ste Marie, 136 in Sudbury, 15 in North Bay, and 12 in Timmins. Additionally, over 300 positions will be cut in centers located in Guelph, Kingston, St. Catherines, Waterloo, and Windsor.
Harry Goslin, the president of OCEU, expressed concerns about the impact of these job cuts on injured workers in Ontario. He highlighted existing workload challenges and warned that the reduction in staff would hinder the support provided to injured workers. Goslin mentioned that while some in-person return-to-work services in northern Ontario will be maintained, other crucial roles such as nurses and payment representatives will be relocated to southern Ontario.
The WSIB responded to inquiries by stating that the consolidation of claim and account management functions led to the need for role relocations and adjustments in staffing. The agency acknowledged the difficulty faced by affected employees and assured them of support services including resume writing assistance, job search aid, and ongoing benefits like mental health support.
Despite these assurances, Steve Mantis from the Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group criticized the decision, emphasizing the potential negative impact on northern workers. Mantis questioned the continuity of in-person support and raised concerns about the familiarity of relocated staff with the unique needs of northern communities.
The WSIB, however, maintained that their service accessibility remains unchanged, focusing on aiding recovery, return to work initiatives, and local healthcare support. Nonetheless, Mantis stressed the importance of having dedicated staff in northern regions to effectively cater to the specific needs of the local community.