-

The Society of United Professionals to Join WSIB Strike Picket Line, Marking 20th Anniversary of Historic Society Strike

Ontario’s Frontline WSIB Staff Continue Fight for Fair Wages, Safe Workplaces, and Job Security as Solidarity Builds Across Unions

original

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Members of the Society of United Professionals, IFPTE Local 160, will join the ongoing picket line at 200 Front Street West on Monday, June 9, 2025, in support of 3,600 striking WSIB workers represented by the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750). This show of solidarity comes as OCEU recently marked two weeks on strike, demanding fair wages, safer workplaces, and an end to outsourcing critical Ontario jobs to U.S. firms.

Approximately 170 Society members, will walk the picket line alongside OCEU/CUPE 1750 members. The action coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Society’s own 105-day strike at Hydro One—a pivotal moment in Ontario’s labour history.

Speakers at a 10:00 a.m. rally will include:

  • Matt Biggs, International President, IFPTE
  • Rebecca Caron, President, Society of United Professionals, IFPTE Local 160
  • Vicky Power, Local Vice-President, Hydro One

“Ontario’s public sector workers are united in their call for respect, fair pay, and safe working conditions,” Matt Biggs, International President of the Society of United Professionals. “We know firsthand the challenges of standing up for what’s right, and we’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with OCEU/CUPE 1750 members as they fight for all Ontarians.”

Since the walkout began, WSIB staff have faced chronic understaffing, stagnant wages, and increased pressure to outsource vital services. The ongoing strike highlights the urgent need for government and management to invest in Ontario jobs and public services, rather than sending work south of the border.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the Society of United Professionals and IFPTE for standing with us on the picket line,” said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. “Their solidarity sends a powerful message—not just to our employer, but to the entire labour movement—that when workers stand together, we are stronger, louder, and impossible to ignore.”

A small Society delegation will also attempt to deliver a letter of solidarity on behalf of 90,000 IFPTE members across North America to WSIB President Jeffery Lang, underscoring growing concern over the Ford government’s inaction on dangerous workloads and the outsourcing of Ontario jobs.

mb/cope491

Contacts

For more information, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact:
Bill Chalupiak
CUPE Communications Representative
wchalupiak@cupe.ca
416-707-1401

Industry:

Canadian Union of Public Employees

Release Versions
English

Contacts

For more information, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact:
Bill Chalupiak
CUPE Communications Representative
wchalupiak@cupe.ca
416-707-1401

More News From Canadian Union of Public Employees

Chéticamp Long Term Care Workers Vote to Strike

CHÉTICAMP, NS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Workers from Foyer Père Fiset Long Term Care Home, represented by CUPE 2031, voted 93% in favour of a strike mandate, calling for improved wages and recruitment and retention. “Lowest in Atlantic Canada. Those words alone should be enough to motivate the government to meet us at the bargaining table with a fair offer. Our government should want us, should want Nova Scotians, to be leading the way not lagging behind,” said CUPE 2031 President Trevor Poirier. “The...

“We haven’t seen this level of slashing since the Harris years:” new report warns of longer wait-times and declining quality of care as funding cuts squeeze Ontario hospitals

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new report warns that the turn to health care cutbacks in Ontario harken to the period of Mike Harris, as hundreds of job cuts ravage hospitals across the province, prolonging wait-times and delaying patient care. The government recently directed hospitals to plan for two per cent annual funding increases until 2027-28, far less than the six per cent average in recent years. The Ford government’s funding plan will lead to more than 10,000 job losses and reduction of...

CUPE Ontario urges government to change course ahead of 2026 budget

NIAGARA FALLS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn called on the Ford government to reverse course on its budget priorities Thursday, warning that years of underfunding public services have deepened inequality and harmed workers and communities across the province. Hahn spoke at a press conference and later before the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs as part of the 2026 pre-budget consultations. With more than 300,000 members, CUPE Ontario is the largest union in...
Back to Newsroom