KAGAWONG—Donning bright yellow t-shirts, members of the MNIWG (Manitoulin North Shore Injured Workers Group) were on hand during Kagawong Summer Fest to hold a demonstration against workers being ignored by “the system.”
Co-chairman Herne Steelgrave, who himself has had three spinal injuries, knows all too well the frustration felt by workers when attempting to file for benefits through the WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board).
He pointed out the name ‘workers safety’ was changed to ‘workplace safety’ which he feels takes the focus off the ‘worker’ where it belongs.
Mr. Steelgrave expressed, on behalf of 38 Island members, his dissatisfaction with the Wynne Liberal government he calls “evil.” “We are dealing with people’s lives, not widgets,” he stressed.
Their new plan, he stated, is “deny, deny, deny.” The government has created new implementation, which denies claims based on what they refer to as “pre-existing conditions.”
For example, shared Mr. Steelgrave, if someone falls off a hydro pole, the WSIB agent will request medical records, which may include a fall during a basketball game in high school. This, he feels, does not fall under the definition of a “pre-existing condition.”
The human body, he stated, goes through changes and things like natural aging and gravity can also lead to a denied claim.
Mr. Steelgrave does not walk with a limp or have a visible disability as a result of his numerous injuries. He can use his legs and while no one can see his pain, it is very real.
Efficiently experts such as KPMG are brought in by companies to cut costs. The WSIB is not subsidized by the government, it is funded by the employees of the company.
“Go online and see how many WSIB employees are on the sunshine list,” he stated. Meanwhile, he added, injured workers are losing their homes, which can lead to a loss of self esteem and in some cases, their lives.
“The biggest threat to the WSIB,” shared Mr. Steelgrave, “is information. They don’t want anyone to know how people are being treated.”
The MNIWG was formed last year. Michael Shane, who works on behalf of injured workers in Aundeck Omni Kaning (AOK), is “a great man” and has become an advocate for their members.
“It has to be done,” shared Mr. Steelgrave. “We have to keep fighting.”
People feel like a yo yo being bounced around. Some are unable to attend a medical appointment with a specialist in southern Ontario for various reasons, such as the long drive causing physical discomfort or for financial limitations.
“We are making waves,” stated Mr. Steelgrave. “We are making changes.”
