CUPE 1750 issues call for Universal Worker’s Comp in Ontario ahead of National Day of Mourning

Ford toying with the ‘Little Guy’ by blocking universal worker’s comp

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ford government must act now to protect the “Little Guy” and make Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage universal for all Ontario workers. Ahead of Canada’s National Day of Mourning (April 28), CUPE 1750, the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU) is reminding the public and the media that every worker has the right to come home from work safe and whole – and that includes a workers’ compensation system that is both fair and fully inclusive.

Universal WSIB coverage is not a radical idea; it is a realistic, affordable, and just policy that would protect more than 1.56 million workers currently left exposed. Yet, instead of meaningfully expanding protections, the Ford government has only addressed a few of the very large shortfalls in a system reeling from the Conservatives’ 30-year-old cuts — all while giving handouts of $21.5 billion in cumulative rate reductions and surplus rebates to corporations, made possible by putting a quarter of Ontario’s workforce at risk. If Premier Ford truly stands with the “Little Guy”, as he claims, then he can prove it by ending this exclusion and making WSIB coverage universal for all workers.

Why Universal WSIB matters on this National Day of Mourning

This April 28, the National Day of Mourning is a day to remember workers who are injured or killed at work, and to reflect on the safety systems that can prevent further tragedies. Hard‑won protections like workers’ compensation are not prizes to be dished out selectively; they are the bedrock of a fair and safe workplace. When one in four Ontario workers are excluded, the system fails both them and the rest of the labour market.

“On this National Day of Mourning, we remember workers who have paid the ultimate price for unsafe conditions,” said Harry Goslin, President of CUPE 1750, the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU). “But we also remember that every single day, workers without WSIB coverage are just one injury away from a financial crisis. Without universal coverage for workers, this government is toying with people’s lives.”

Universal WSIB is realistic, affordable, and good for Ontario

Contrary to government rhetoric, universal WSIB coverage is financially sound and beneficial for employers, workers, and the broader economy. When all workers are covered, the cost for employers goes down, over $100 million returns to our healthcare system, and more than $200 million is added to Ontario’s economy.

“Universal WSIB coverage is not a cost – it’s an investment,” said Goslin. “When injured and ill workers get the support they need, they can recover faster, return to work sooner, and contribute more to our communities. This is good for workers, good for employers, and good for Ontario.”

Workers’ compensation is funded entirely by Ontario employers, not by taxpayers. That means implementing universal coverage does not require a new tax on everyday Ontarians. Instead, it requires a commitment from the Ford government to prioritize workers’ safety and economic security over corporate giveaways.

Ontario is falling behind while Ford plays politics

Ontario is way behind other provinces in providing workers’ compensation protections. While other jurisdictions have expanded coverage to ensure all workers are protected, Ford’s government has chosen to leave hard‑working Ontarians behind. In the face of rising grocery prices, hallway medicine, and a growing cost‑of‑living crisis, workers are more vulnerable than ever.

“Premier Ford says he’s for the ‘Little Guy’, but his actions tell a different story.” said Goslin. “Universal WSIB coverage is a simple, fair way to protect every worker, every day. If he truly stands with the Little Guy, he’ll prove it by making WSIB coverage universal.”

It’s time for Ford to stand up for every worker

It’s time for the Ford government to stop making excuses and start making changes. OCEU is calling on the government to:

• Extend WSIB coverage to all workers, closing the gap that leaves one in four Ontario workers unprotected.
• Reject future corporate handouts that undermine investment in workers’ safety and compensation.
• Ensure that Ontario’s workers’ compensation system is inclusive, efficient, and truly worker‑centred.

“No worker should fear financial ruin because of an injury on the job,” said Goslin. “On this National Day of Mourning, we call on the Ford government to finally stand up for the Little Guy and make WSIB coverage universal. Every worker deserves protection. No exceptions.”

About OCEU/CUPE Local 1750

CUPE Local 1750, the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU), represents more than 3,800 employees at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA). OCEU is dedicated to protecting the social, economic, and workplace rights of its members while advocating for safer working conditions and stronger protections for all Ontario workers.

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