TORONTO — Workers at Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) are facing unprecedented levels of stress and mental health strain, according to a newly released third-party survey conducted by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW). The findings show that job-related anxiety and depression rates among WSIB employees are now more than double the Canadian average—marking the worst results seen in any workplace across the country in over a decade.
The follow-up study, commissioned by the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750), comes as its members enter their fourth week of strike action. The independent survey paints a deteriorating picture of working conditions within the WSIB, citing dangerously high workloads as a core issue.
“The WSIB is a shining example of what not to be,” said OCEU President Harry Goslin. “We will hold the WSIB accountable for their failure to protect employee wellness. 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.”
Nicole Francis, OCEU’s Chief Steward, said members feel ignored by management. “Our members are tired of hearing the employer deny their lived experiences, and it’s really impacting them,” she said. “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.”
Despite the concerning data, there may still be room for optimism. “Most of the factors measured in the survey were quite negative,” said John Oudyk, an Occupational Hygienist with OHCOW. “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.”
The union has been sounding the alarm about mounting workloads for years. OCEU members were locked out of their systems and sent home by the employer ahead of the strike, which has now surpassed three weeks with no resolution in sight. Negotiations remain at an impasse over staffing levels, workload relief, and mental health protections.
As OCEU/CUPE 1750 awaits a response following a weekend of mediated negotiations with the WSIB, picket lines across Ontario remain active. With support growing and pressure mounting, workers say they remain committed to standing strong until a fair agreement is reached that protects public jobs, ensures safe workplaces, and delivers dignity for all 3,600 striking members.
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