WSIB quietly confirms backlog and costly shortcuts as strike nears third week, union says

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750) is sounding the alarm after an internal message sent to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) staff confirms a growing backlog of injured worker claims, directly contradicting recent public statements from WSIB leadership.

“For weeks, the WSIB has publicly denied any backlog, but now we know the truth,” said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU/CUPE 1750. “They just decided–due to a backlog–to automatically allow the claims that would normally require review, even those to which an employer has objected; this is not just dishonest, it’s dangerous and will cost employers dearly.”

In an internal memo sent to WSIB staff over the weekend, senior management announced temporary adjudication changes to “help manage the volume of claims during the labour disruption.” These changes mean essentially all claims for physical injuries will be automatically allowed, including those with:

• Delayed reporting or medical attention
• Gradual onset injuries
• Prior conditions
• Employer objections.

The memo admits the changes “increase risk” and that WSIB expects more objections and reconsiderations in the future. It also states these measures will be “turned off once we've worked through the backlog.”

“Let’s be clear, this confirms what we’ve been saying all along. There is a backlog. The employer has been misleading the public, and now they’re cutting corners in an attempt to keep up appearances,” Goslin said. “This lockout needs to end so that union members can get back to taking care of injured Ontarians.”

The strike, which began May 21, is now nearing its third week, and injured workers, employers, and frontline staff are all paying the price for the WSIB’s refusal to negotiate in good faith. Instead of resolving the dispute, management is resorting to costly shortcuts and spin.

OCEU/CUPE 1750 remains unwavering in its commitment to a fair deal that upholds public service standards, protects the integrity of Ontario’s workers’ compensation system, and ensures injured workers get the support they deserve, without compromise, delay, or deception. It’s time for the employer to come back to the table and end this strike now.

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