Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is eliminating 466 positions across the province; a decision the organization describes as a difficult move to consolidate some back-office roles.
The cuts are affecting employees in several Ontario communities, including Sudbury, Windsor, Thunder Bay, St. Catharines, Guelph, Sault Ste. Marie, Kingston, North Bay and Timmins. The WSIB says the final number of people who leave their jobs could be lower because some affected employees may have the option to relocate.
The announcement has sparked concern from union leaders and opposition politicians, who warn that fewer staff could mean longer wait times for injured workers seeking support.
Why is the WSIB cutting jobs?
The WSIB says it is consolidating some remote back-office positions in claims and account management.
In its statement, the organization acknowledged that the decision will be difficult for affected employees and their families. It says workers will receive transition support, including opportunities to relocate, résumé-writing assistance, job-search services and continued benefits.
The WSIB also says employees will continue to have access to unlimited mental health support during the transition.
The job reductions come as the Ontario government prepares to review the efficiency and productivity of several major public agencies. The WSIB is among the organizations included in those reviews, alongside the Liquor Control Board of Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.
Which Ontario communities are affected?
The announced cuts involve workers in nine Ontario communities – Sudbury, Windsor, Thunder Bay, St. Catharines, Guelph, Sault Ste. Marie, Kingston, North Bay & Timmins.
The impact is particularly significant in northern Ontario, where many of the affected positions are located.
The Ontario Compensation Employees Union, which represents WSIB employees and is part of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), says it has also been told that another 155 positions in Waterloo could be eliminated in about a year.
Will injured workers still get WSIB support?
The WSIB says local teams will remain in affected regions to provide in-person assistance, particularly for workers returning to their jobs after an injury.
However, the union representing employees argues that reducing staffing levels could affect how quickly injured workers receive help.
Union president Harry Goslin says workers could face longer waits for return calls, decisions on claims, reimbursement for health-care expenses and referrals to services designed to help them return to work.
That concern is significant because WSIB claims often involve several steps, from medical treatment and benefit decisions to workplace accommodations and return-to-work planning.
What does the union say about the cuts?
The Ontario Compensation Employees Union has described the announcement as a major blow to workers and the communities where WSIB employees live.
Goslin says the union had been trying to negotiate measures to reduce the impact of the layoffs before the announcement.
The union’s concern goes beyond the loss of jobs. It argues that fewer employees could create additional pressure on the WSIB’s ability to respond to injured workers promptly.
Why is northern Ontario a major concern?
Northern Ontario is expected to absorb a substantial share of the job losses, raising concerns about the regional economic impact.
NDP critic Lise Vaugeois called the decision a betrayal of workers, arguing that it comes while industries such as construction, forestry and mining are facing increased demand for workers.
Interim Liberal Leader John Fraser also criticized the decision, saying northern communities are already dealing with tariffs, plant closures and layoffs.
The concern is that removing stable public-sector jobs could put further pressure on communities that are already dealing with economic uncertainty.
What happens to the affected WSIB employees?
The WSIB says affected employees will receive support during the transition.
Depending on their circumstances, workers may have opportunities to relocate to other positions. The organization is also offering résumé assistance and job-search support.
Benefits will continue during the transition, including mental health support.
Because some employees may relocate rather than leave the organization, the WSIB says the number of actual job losses could ultimately be lower than 466.
Affected by WSIB’s job cuts? Know your rights.
If you’re a non-union employee affected by the WSIB’s layoffs, Whitten & Lublin Employment Lawyers can help you understand your rights and whether the severance package you received reflects what you may be legally entitled to.
Termination and severance entitlements can depend on factors such as your age, length of service, position, compensation and the terms of your employment agreement. In some cases, employees may be entitled to more than the minimum amounts offered by their employer.
Before signing your severance package, have it reviewed. Whitten & Lublin can assess your situation, explain your options and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Call (416) 640-2667 or reach out online to discuss your options.
