Fighting for Justice:

The Plight of Injured Workers in Ontario

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and celebration for many. However, for countless Ontarians who have been permanently injured or fallen ill due to workplace incidents, this season brings little comfort. The harsh realities of poverty, financial insecurity, and emotional distress caused by flawed compensation systems weigh heavily on injured workers across the province.

The Issue at Hand

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has been criticized for its practices that prioritize corporate profits over injured workers’ rights. Among the most concerning practices are:

• Deeming: WSIB reduces benefits by pretending that injured workers can find jobs they realistically cannot secure due to their physical or mental conditions.
• Massive Benefit Denials: High rates of claim rejections, particularly for psychological injuries and occupational illnesses.
• Healthcare Cuts: Limited access to necessary treatments and disregard for medical advice from workers’ treating physicians.
• Corporate Rebates: Shockingly, instead of addressing the financial and emotional devastation faced by injured workers, the WSIB has announced a $2.5 billion rebate to employers.

These decisions exacerbate the challenges faced by injured workers, leaving many in financial and emotional ruin, struggling to meet even their basic needs.

What Needs to Change?

Injured workers and their advocates are demanding that WSIB:
1. Stop Corporate Rebates: Redirect surplus funds to restore benefits for injured workers.
2. Address Systemic Issues: Reform deeming practices, reduce denial rates, and prioritize injured workers’ healthcare.
3. Provide Real Support: Ensure that injured workers have access to fair compensation, necessary medical care, and economic stability.

December 9th: A Call to Action

On December 9th, injured workers and allies across Ontario will gather to demand change. Events are planned in multiple locations, including:
• Toronto: Ministry of Labour, 11 a.m., 400 University Ave.
• Thunder Bay: MPP Kevin Holland’s Office, Noon, 774 James St. N.
• Windsor: WSIB Office, 4 p.m., 2485 Ouellette Ave.

This movement sends a powerful message: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Injured workers deserve dignity, fairness, and justice—not corporate giveaways.

How We Can Help

1. Spread the Word: Share information and graphics about this issue with your networks.
2. Attend a Rally: Show your support by attending one of the December 9th events.
3. Advocate for Change: Contact policymakers and express your support for injured workers’ rights.
4. Join the Fight: Align with organizations like the Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre to push for meaningful reforms.

The WSIB’s decision to reward employers with $2.5 billion while ignoring the struggles of injured workers is a glaring injustice. This December 9th, let’s stand together to demand that the rights and needs of injured workers take precedence over corporate profits. Together, we can fight for a system that values people over profits.

In solidarity,
Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre