WSIB Workers Strike Over Wages, Job Security and Outsourcing; Major Union Joins Picket Line
Society of United Professionals joins OCEU’s June 9 rally demanding fair compensation and an end to U.S. outsourcing at WSIB
Toronto – Members of the Society of United Professionals, IFPTE Local 160, are joining striking workers from the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU/CUPE 1750) today in downtown Toronto, adding their voices to the growing chorus calling for fair wages, job security, and safer working conditions at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
The show of solidarity is taking place at 200 Front Street West—WSIB’s downtown headquarters—where OCEU members have been on strike for over two weeks. Roughly 170 members of the Society, currently in the city for the Hydro One Local Council Meeting, will walk the picket line alongside OCEU workers. The moment is especially significant, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Society’s own 105-day strike at Hydro One.
At 10:00 a.m., the rally will feature remarks from prominent labour leaders, including Matt Biggs, International President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); Rebecca Caron, President of the Society of United Professionals; and Vicky Power, Local Vice-President representing Hydro One workers.
In a joint letter sent today to WSIB President and CEO Jeffery Lang, Biggs and Caron urged the Board to return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith. The letter calls out what they describe as “unjust” treatment of essential workers, citing stagnant wages, increased workloads, and outsourcing of Ontario jobs to U.S. firms—all while WSIB reports strong financials and rising executive compensation.
“These workers are standing up not just for themselves, but for the integrity of the services they provide and for future generations of workers,” the letter reads.
A delegation representing IFPTE’s 90,000 members across North America is expected to attempt delivery of the solidarity letter in person at WSIB headquarters during today’s action.
The strike has drawn attention from unions across Canada and the U.S., amplifying calls for justice in the public sector amid broader concerns over privatization, worker protections, and rising cost-of-living pressures.
For updates on the strike or to learn more about OCEU’s demands, visit www.oceu.ca.
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