June 1, 2011 - Injured Workers' Day
This Wednesday injured workers, their families, advocates and unions celebrated the 28th anniversary of June 1, 1983 - the day when thousands gathered in front of Queen's Park to successfully protest the government's plans to eliminate the permanent disability pension. On June 1, 2011, injured workers spoke out forcefully to again demand that injury should not mean poverty. After all, injured workers gave up the right to sue in return for fair compensation for workplace injuries and illnesses. Today, however, they face increased cutbacks even though Ontario's economy is recovering:
The cost of living rose by 3.3% over the past year, but injured workers only received a 0.5% adjustment. Injured workers with chronic pain are facing cuts to their pain medications. Permanently disabled workers who need to retrain are facing shorter courses. Injured workers who can't find suitable work can be cut off compensation and deemed to be working anywhere in the province. Meanwhile harmful employer incentive programs like experience rating encourage hiding work injuries. The funding concerns of the WSIB must not be addressed by cuts to benefits and services to injured workers.
As they have for the past five years, the Women of Inspiration, a Toronto injured worker group, led an overnight vigil outside the Legislative Assembly the evening before, reminding MPPs that many injured workers cannot sleep because they have to worry about pain and poverty.
Around the province...
Toronto: The rally began with a warm welcome by Peter Page, ONIWG President, and the city's proclamation of Injured Workers' Day. The large crowd at Queen's Park heard injured worker groups from Toronto, Hamilton and London, advocates (TIWAG) and union leaders (including CAW, OFL, OPSEU, UFCW (speech), USW) speak out strongly on problems facing injured workers today. Music and skits organized by Wally Brooker [listen here] and Kate Lushington provided lively entertainment between speeches and were enthusiatically received. A special presentation paid tribute to a number of injured workers and advocates who have struggled for reform over many years. Speakers from the Board and the Legislature included WSIB/WCB Chair Steve Mahoney, Minister of Labour Charles Sousa, NDP's Paul Miller, Michael Prue, Peter Kormos.
For more on the day's events at Queen's Park, see the article and video by Rabble.ca columnist John Bonnar [click here] or listen to his podcast [click here]
Niagara: Over 30 people rallied outside local WSIB offices. Representatives of the Niagara Regional Labour Council and CUPW spoke. A message to the rally from the Canadian Labour Congress was read. George Addison formerly of Brock U Campus Ministries spoke as did injured workers who gave testimonials about their experiences with the WSIB. The rally ended with chants of "We'll be back."
Thunder Bay: a rally and BBQ were held at the Lakehead Labour Centre, organized by the Thunder Bay & District Injured Workers Support Group. Speakers urged injured workers and the public to get involved and share their experiences with the government - calling on politicians in the upcoming election to restore balance to the workers compensation system.
