Injured Workers Day Protests 2026
Unifor Regional Director Samia Hashi
On Injured Worker's Day, June 1, 2026, mother nature cooperated with a brilliant sunny day for union workers and representatives, injured workers and members of the general public to come out in full force to stand up for the right's of injured workers.
Toronto
At Queen's Park in Toronto, Unifor members joined labour allies, advocates to mark Injured Workers’ Day.
"No worker should be pushed into poverty because they were injured while doing their job. Yet that is the reality for far too many," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.
"Today, and every day, we stand together to demand better. Because injured workers deserve dignity. They deserve security. And they deserve justice."
Ontario Compensation Employees Union (OCEU) CUPE Local 1750 announced their focus on improving benefits for injured and ill workers and on investments in safety programs with the goal of preventing injuries and illnesses.
“Today we recognize the workers who were killed, injured, or made ill at work. And to mark Injured Workers Day, we’re doubling down on our efforts to expand WSIB benefits to all workers,” said Harry Goslin, OCEU President. “Universal WSIB coverage benefits everyone. All of us working together to expand WSIB to more workers will help strengthen worker protections while reinforcing the sustainability of our public system.”
More than 1.56 million workers in Ontario do not have access to benefits from the WSIB system. Many of these workers are in precarious, low-wage, and high-risk jobs in sectors such as childcare and professional services.
“All Ontario workers deserve a compensation system that protects them,” added Goslin. “OCEU members are working with partners to make the WSIB system fairer and safer for all Ontarians, to continue strengthening protections and to provide better support for workers across the province.”
Hamilton
Advocates mark Injured Workers Day at Hamilton City Hall on June 1. They normally travel to Queen's Park, but due to mobility issues of some participants, they stayed in Hamilton. Leaders there spoke about the need for better funding for injured workers and fairness in WSIB policies.
Thunder Bay
A flag-raising ceremony was held Friday morning at city hall in recognition of Injured Workers Day. Janet Paterson, president of the Ontario Network of Injured Worker Groups, spoke at the event, and the need for fairer treatment and compensation for injured workers.
Hosted by the Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group, the event honoured workers who have been killed, injured or made ill in the workplace, while also raising awareness about workplace safety and ongoing support for injured workers and their families.
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