For many years, SEIU Healthcare has been advocating for WSIB coverage for Developmental Service Workers (DSW) and workers in residential care facilities. It’s long past time that our sisters and brothers in this sector get the protection they truly need and deserve.
In 2017, we were close to accomplishing this with Bill 145 (WSIB Coverage for Workers in Residential Care Facilities and Group Homes Act), but when the Ford government took over in 2018, the bill was overlooked.
Since then, our amazing DSW Committee has continued to meet with dozens of political leaders and fought to keep the spirit and mission of Bill 145 alive. Last year during our DSW campaign, we met with the WSIB panel and presented our suggestions. Earlier this month, the WSIB Review Panel issued their report along with their recommendations.
Recommendation #7 states:
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board and the government should extend mandatory coverage to developmental support workers and those working in residential care facilities.
To read the full report, please click here
Although this is just a recommendation, this is a step in the right direction. Now is the time to help our sisters and brothers and continue pushing the momentum forward to finally achieve mandatory WSIB coverage for our dedicated DSWs and all workers in residential care facilities.
We are asking you to take 30 seconds to send an important letter to your political leaders supporting this recommendation! Your MPPs and the Ford government need to know how crucial this advancement is to our health system. Together, we can make a difference. Don’t forget to share this with your family, friends, and co-workers. The more support we have, the stronger our message will be.