Photo Taken: (TBnewswatch.com)
The WSIB strike is heading into its fourth week, and a deal is nowhere in sight. But the agency’s vice president of communications, Aaron Lazarus, says an agreement could be reached very quickly, if union leadership will just say yes.
“We have put forward offers that include wage increases above inflation,” said Lazarus. “Currently, roughly 60 per cent of employees make more than $100,000. Under our proposal, that would increase to 75 per cent.”
Workload also remains a key sticking point. Lazarus says the WSIB has offered to expand a joint union-management committee dedicated to addressing caseloads and hiring support. “We’ve already brought workload down by 60 per cent since its peak in 2021,” he said. “There are 100 net new claims staff in place, and we’re committed to doing more.”
Roughly 3,000 Ontario Public Service Employees Union members have been on strike since May 21, battling for more manageable workloads and better mental health protections.
Lazarus acknowledged the toll the labor disruption is taking. “I feel bad that people who aren’t working have now lost almost a month of pay,” he said. “We really hope they’re able to rejoin the team soon because we’re doing such great work.”
Photo Taken: (Canadian Occupational Safety)
Mental health is another main concern. A survey done by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, cited by the union, found that mental health issues are on the rise among workers. But Lazarus questioned its validity.
“The researchers themselves commented that the response rate was so low it created a serious problem with interpreting the results,” he said. “Our internal surveys, by contrast, have an 80 per cent participation rate, and the vast majority feel supported and respected by their managers.”
He pointed to low turnover and uncapped mental health benefits as proof that employees remain dedicated. “If you genuinely thought a place was terrible, you’d vote with your feet,” Lazarus said.
Lazarus then commented on how much longer the strike might continue. “We’re always hopeful,” he said. “The deal is there to be done. The union leaders just have to accept yes as the answer.”
With key proposals on the table and pressure mounting from all sides, the next steps will depend on whether both parties can align on what’s already being offered and finally bring the strike to an end.
