“Injured Windsor workers call for changes to WSIB compensation program.” (CBC News Windsor, Nov. 15, 2017)
Windsor injured workers kicked off their Workers’ Comp Is A Right campaign activities Wednesday with a press conference at the Unifor Labour Centre. Speakers included Sharon DeWitt, a Chrysler worker who suffered two injuries and whose back pain has been diagnosed as a degenerative disc disease . While the WSIB initially accepted her claims, the Board has since denied her benefits because of an alleged pre-existing condition and “pushed her into poverty.”
I’m at the food bank, I’m begging family and friends, anyone who can help,” she said. “That killed me. I didn’t want to do it.”
Windsor District Labour Council president Brian Hogan noted Sharon’s story is shared by thousands of injured workers across the province. At the event, organized by the injured workers support group at Unifor local 195. Mike Jee spoke on the three key demands of the campaign launched by Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups to raise awareness of the injustices currently being faced by workers.
The press conference was covered widely by local media:
- CTV News Windsor. 2017 Nov. 15. “Petition Calls for Better Treatment of Injured Workers.”
- Brown, Mark. 2017 Nov. 15. “Labour Leaders Address WSIB Woes.” Blackburn News
- Langille, Peter. 2017 Nov. 15. “Injured Workers Lashing Out Over Denial of WSIB Claims.” CKLW AM800