More than 200 jobs lost from WSIB reorganization

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has announced a further reduction in the number of its full-time staff positions. Approximately 129 unionized and non-unionized staff are affected by this change. More than 100 additional employees have elected to voluntarily exit the WSIB.
This is part of a long-term business strategy to transform the WSIB into a more effective and efficient organization and to enhance service levels to Ontario’s workers and employers, the WSIB said in a statement. The WSIB has launched a number of self-serve, eServices and automation improvements in the last two years and more are being implemented in the future. These tools make it easier to transact business with the WSIB and require fewer employees to perform manual tasks and administrative work.

The WSIB’s current efforts are focused on improving service as well as being fiscally responsible, the agency said. Along with automation and process improvements, outsourcing certain functions will help the WSIB stay current with modern business practices while allowing WSIB employees to focus on supporting its core business.

“Everything we do needs to be centered on our commitment to help workers recover and return to work,” said WSIB president and CEO I. David Marshall. “We are focused on getting workers and employers back to what matters to them.”

Unionized staff who received notice will be able to exercise their rights under the Collective Agreement with the WSIB. Non-unionized staff were provided with outplacement counselling services to assist with their re-entry into the workforce.