Activists rally at Queen’s Park for Injured Workers Day
Locals 175 & 633 staff joined other union brothers and sisters, injured workers and activists at an Injured Workers Day rally at Queen’s Park on June 1. [photos]
Injured Workers Day commemorates the many lives affected by workplace injuries and illnesses every day. Activists used street theatre, music and other presentations to try and bring light to the serious issues facing injured workers in this province. Far too many workers – about 38% – have no protection under the WSIB because their employers do not have to pay into the insurance system.
He must be unaware of the fatalities caused by workplace accidents in Ontario and the deaths on Christmas Eve that initiated the Expert Panel’s Review, the largest revamp of Ontario’s worker safety system in 30 years and the passing of Bill 160. Has he heard of RSI Day?
Is Hudak aware of the 300,000 plus claims filed a year? Maybe he didn’t get the memo. Maybe he doesn’t care. Shame!
What Hudak probably does understand is the $13 billion unfunded liability of the WSIB, the possible outcome of the current funding review and the impact it may have on employers. Hudak may view this as an opportunity to privatize.
Recently, the Ontario Conservatives released their party’s platform, called Changebook. And how can we forget the costs to date of the changes Bill 99 had on injured workers? Why would we allow another Conservative government in Ontario another chance to finish the job started by the Harris ‘common sense revolution’?
Through our handling of compensation claims for our workers we see first hand the effect of the Funding Review on the WSIB and their current approach to case management and fiscal responsibility. We see claim denials, worker’s benefits limited or reduced, cutbacks… and all this even before the Review Panel has completed the process and submitted their findings.
It is always important to get the concerns of injured workers addressed by the elected members of parliament and to remain in their focus. With the upcoming fall election it is more important than ever to engage candidates in conversation, test their knowledge of workers’ compensation and ask about their intentions and party platform concerning changes or improvements to the system.
Ask them bluntly if privatization is on their agenda. Challenge their position. Ask questions and then ask more. Don’t let the idea that the business community is very strong right now deter our determination to fight for workers’ rights and justice.
We cannot allow all the hardship endured and gains made by workers over the years to go by the way side because of fear 
mongering. We cannot forget.
Become even more active, write letters and educate those around you. Take a stand. Let’s not return to the Mike Harris agenda. Make your vote count and stop the right wing attack on injured workers. Get involved. Vote!”