The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board has classified hundreds of its positions as unnecessary – and WSIB employees in Windsor will face significant job losses, according to the workers’ union.
The Ontario Compensation Employees Union reports that 131 staff members at the board in Windsor will be laid off due to a province-wide evaluation.
“These are well-paying jobs. They provide important benefits for the community,” said Harry Goslin, president of the OCEU.
“Windsor has been struggling economically for years.. Losing 131 good jobs here is devastating. Why would the provincial government let this happen?”
Goslin noted that WSIB staff in ten different communities across Ontario will experience job cuts, with Windsor facing some of the highest losses. Sudbury (136 workers) and Waterloo (155 workers) will see even more reductions.
Harry Goslin, president of the Ontario Compensation Employees Union, speaks at a rally in Toronto in 2025. ( )
In total, 466 WSIB employees have recently received notices about their roles being redundant, according to Goslin – with further notifications expected in about a year.
Workers who have been notified must decide whether they want to transfer to another WSIB position in a different location or accept an exit package, Goslin explained.
The OCEU stated that these staffing cuts exemplify the ongoing trend of eliminating “stable, family-supporting public-sector jobs in communities already dealing with economic challenges.”
This could lead to poorer service for injured workers, heavier workloads for those who remain employed, and undermine the mission of the WSIB, added the union.
Employees moved from the Windsor WSIB office to remote work during the pandemic and the location was permanently closed in 2024. (Google Maps)
Goslin mentioned that WSIB employees’ duties in Windsor include processing claims and payments, answering client calls, and managing health-care benefits.
In response to a CBC inquiry, WSIB acknowledged that it “has made the difficult decision to consolidate claim and account management functions; therefore some roles will relocate while adjustments are made to local staffing requirements.”
The agency recognized that this announcement is “difficult” for both staff members and their families. They stated affected employees will have access to assistance with resume writing, job search services, and continued benefits including mental health support.
WATCH | WSIB cuts will impact 131 Windsor workers, union says:
Job Cuts at WSIB Impacting 131 Workers in Windsor
The provincial government has classified hundreds of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) jobs as unnecessary – resulting in significant job losses among Windsor’s workforce according to reports from their union.
The agency did not comment on specific figures regarding job losses shared by OCEU.
Windsor’s former WSIB office located at 2845 Ouellette Ave. was permanently closed back in 2024. All remaining WSIB staff now work remotely from home.
An injured worker from Windsor-Essex who runs a support group said they’re already facing challenges due to that office closure along with recent termination of support for Injured Workers Outreach Services by WSIB.
This situation has left many struggling with navigating through claims processes,” Liz Garant remarked; she also represents regional interests within the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups.
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“People are going to stop reporting their injuries,” she warned.
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“This could push people onto [Ontario Works], [Ontario Disability Support Program], into homelessness or poverty because they may give up on filling out reports.”</pp
Garant expressed concern over how laid-off employees’ tasks would be passed onto those who remain employed leading them toward burnout.</pp
“I’m devastated,” she said.
“I don’t even know where to start.”</ppOntario finance minister and Treasury Board president Peter Bethlenfalvy stated that reviewing provincial agencies is aimed at ‘ensuring operational sustainability.’ (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
The Doug Ford government initiated an extensive assessment process across various provincial agencies starting early August focused on enhancing efficiency levels.
This review included scrutiny over institutions such as Legal Aid Ontario , Supply Ontario , Metrolinx , LCBO , Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation , Agricorp , AGCO.
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Peter Bethlenfalvy remarked it’s about making sure operations stay sustainable.”</pp
B ut Goslin highlighted current issues within W S I B regarding employee workload stating “we’re already under-resourced.”</pp
“Our workload problems are serious right now; adding more pressure only makes things worse which ultimately hurts injured workers-the very ones whom government claims they aim protect.” p>
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