WSIB Workers Face More Than Double the National Rates of Anxiety and Depression, Survey Finds

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The union representing striking workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has conducted a follow-up survey to assess workload and occupational stress levels, one year after their initial study. The internationally recognized survey, conducted by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW), an independent third party, shows that WSIB workers continue to report the worst results in over a decade compared to workplaces across Canada. When it comes to job-related anxiety and depression, WSIB employees experience levels that are double the national average. Preliminary findings from the updated survey indicate the situation has only deteriorated.

“The WSIB is a shining example of what not to be. We will hold the WSIB accountable for their failure to protect employee wellness,” said Harry Goslin, President of OCEU. “I will not rest until we fix the very real and systemic workload problem. Once we do that, we will elevate services for all Ontario workers.”

“Our members are tired of hearing the employer deny their lived experiences, and it’s really impacting them,” said Nicole Francis, Chief Steward for OCEU. “The results of the survey from last year are crystal clear, but WSIB management doesn’t want to accept them because it ruins the image they are trying to project.”

John Oudyk, Occupational Hygienist with OHCOW, remains optimistic despite the worsening results. “Most of the factors measured in the survey were quite negative, but the engagement scores were close to typical Canadian values. This suggests that, despite their negative experience, respondents have not completely disengaged, indicating they still have hope that their work situation can improve,” he said.

Members of OCEU/CUPE 1750 have been on strike for over three weeks, after being sent home and locked out of their systems by the employer. Key bargaining issues remain, including dangerously high workloads that are severely impacting WSIB employees’ mental health.

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