The provincial government has identified numerous positions at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) as redundant, leading to job cuts for Windsor’s WSIB employees, as reported by the workers’ union. The Ontario Compensation Employees Union disclosed that 131 individuals employed by the board in Windsor are set to lose their jobs following a comprehensive review conducted across the province.
President of the OCEU, Harry Goslin, emphasized the significant impact of these job losses on the local community, highlighting the importance of these well-paying positions. Windsor, which has experienced economic challenges in recent years, is particularly affected by the removal of 131 jobs. Goslin pointed out that 10 communities in Ontario will witness reductions in WSIB personnel, with Windsor facing one of the highest numbers of job losses, surpassed only by Sudbury (136 workers) and Waterloo (155 workers).
Goslin further revealed that a total of 466 WSIB employees have received notifications of job redundancy, with additional notifications expected in approximately a year. Affected workers must decide whether to relocate to another WSIB position in a different location or accept an exit package.
According to the OCEU, these staffing reductions exemplify the ongoing trend of eliminating stable public-sector jobs in communities already grappling with economic instability. The union expressed concerns that these cuts will lead to compromised service delivery for injured workers, increased workloads for remaining staff, and a dilution of the WSIB’s core mission.
In response to inquiries from CBC, the WSIB acknowledged the difficult decision to consolidate certain functions, resulting in job relocations and adjustments to local staffing requirements. The agency assured that affected employees will receive support such as resume writing assistance, job search services, and continued benefits including mental health resources.
The closure of Windsor’s former WSIB office in 2024 necessitated a shift to remote work for all WSIB employees in the community. This change, coupled with the recent cessation of support for Injured Workers Outreach Services, has posed challenges for injured workers in navigating the claims process.
Liz Garant, a regional representative for the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups, expressed concerns about the impact on injured workers, noting that the workload burden on remaining employees could lead to burnout. The ongoing review of provincial agencies by the Doug Ford government, including the scrutiny of WSIB operations, aims to enhance operational efficiency and productivity, according to Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. However, Goslin raised apprehensions about the ramifications of these job cuts on already strained WSIB employees and the quality of service provided to injured workers in Ontario.