As their strike enters its second week, striking workers at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) hope a local MPP and his government will use their influence to get the employer back to the bargaining table.
Workers represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) put the pressure on by picketing outside Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie's office on Tuesday. Lines of workers carrying signs were on both sides of Tecumseh Road East as drivers honked horns in support.
Strike captain Janice Tofflemire told WindsorNewsToday.ca that the dispute is a lockout, which forced CUPE to change its plans.
"We were going to do rotating strikes last week, but on Wednesday, the employer, WSIB, locked us out, and so we have been at the picket line since Thursday," said Tofflemire.
Employees have been locked out of their work systems and the WSIB closed its satellite offices.
Tofflemire added that CUPE has a request for Dowie and others in the provincial government.
"Look out for injured workers, and look out for WSIB workers by putting pressure on the WSIB to come to the table with a fair offer to negotiate," said Tofflemire.
On the weekend, the union issued a cease-and-desist letter to the WSIB.
A letter to a constituent obtained by the union said Dowie was unable to meet with the workers this week. He's at Queen's Park.
Contract talks stalled ahead of the strike deadline. Key issues are workload and wages.
The WSIB, meanwhile, says it has always been ready to bargain, and has not heard from CUPE since Monday.
"Our top priority is helping people. Rather than pursue further disruption, the WSIB is focused on bargaining, and ensuring critical services continue to be offered," said WSIB President and CEO Jeff Lang. "We will do everything in our power to support people who rely on what we do."
Those needing the WSIB may still use the website to report an injury or illness, submit claim documents, access clearances, register a new business, and get real-time information.
-with files from Adelle Loiselle