The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) has reached a tentative agreement with the Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU), clearing the path for a return to full operations.
The WSIB expects to have all employees back to work within 24 hours of a successful ratification vote.
The agreement follows a nearly month-long labor disruption that began on June 18, after more than 3,000 WSIB workers, represented by OCEU (SEIU Local 2), walked off the job. The strike marked the first job action of its kind at the agency in more than three decades. It involved frontline staff responsible for processing claims, handling employer accounts and delivering support to injured workers. The union cited concerns over wages and remote work policies as key issues in the dispute.
While negotiations continued during the strike, the work stoppage led to delays in some services and impacted processing times for new and ongoing claims. However, the WSIB maintained access to key online functions, allowing users to report workplace injuries or illnesses, submit documents, and review claim status and benefit payments. These digital services remain available 24/7.
“Our number one priority has always been - and continues to be - helping the people who depend on us,” said Jeff Lang, president and CEO of the WSIB. “We do work that makes a difference in people's lives and in our communities. I am proud of our team's work the last few weeks and am very excited for everyone to come back together so we can keep supporting Ontarians who need us.”
Lang also acknowledged the public’s patience during the disruption. “Our team is committed to delivering better, easier, and faster service to Ontarians,” he said.
The WSIB provides workplace injury and illness insurance to over 5.3 million workers at more than 300,000 businesses in Ontario. It offers wage-loss benefits, medical coverage, return-to-work support, and access to sector-specific health and safety information. The agency operates under a no-fault insurance model and is funded by employer premiums.
Details of the tentative agreement have not been released and are subject to union ratification. Further updates are expected once the vote is completed.
