Injured workers and their allies came out in force in Toronto, London, Thunder Bay, Windsor this past Thursday for the 40th anniversary of Injured Workers Day.
Among the many speeches and interviews a clear message was delivered to the government and the WSIB: the KPMG’s recommendations on the Board’s appeal and dispute resolution process, including the unrealistic proposed new time limits, create unacceptable barriers for injured workers seeking workers’ compensation and the legal representatives seeking access to justice on their behalf.
Selected media coverage:
“Injured workers under threat again” (Hamilton Spectator, Jun. 2, 2023) – an opinion piece by John Bartolomeo (Workers Health & Safety Legal Clinic), Maryth Yachnin (IAVGO Community Legal Clinic), Chris Grawey (Injured Workers Community Legal Clinic), Patty Coates (Ontario Federation of Labour)
“Injured Workers Day, 40 years later” (CBC Up North podcast, Jun. 1, 2023) – listen to interview with Steve Mantis (Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers’ Support Group)
“West tables bill designating June 1 Injured Workers Day in Ontario “ (Sudbury Star, Jun. 1, 2023) – Sudbury MPP Jamie West introduces Bill 118, Injured Workers Day Act, 2023; Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Lise Vaugeois makes statement in the House on workers’ compensation
“Oppose attempts to restructure workers’ compensation in the name of “value for money” (Workers’ Forum, May 31, 2023) – video interview with Christine Nugent (ONIWG, Barrie & District InjuredWorkers’ Group)
“Injured and ill workers hold a media conference with allies” (GlobeNewswire, May 31, 2023)
“Give workers a chance for rightful compensation” (Ontario Federation of Labour ) – tell the Minister of Labour to reject the KPMG recommendations)
- Continue to follow the 40 Stories Project at Action for Injured Workers for more videos of injured workers’ personal experiences of dealing with the aftermath of work-related injury & illness