GE workers win reversal of rejected cancer claims, Dec. 17, and WSIB will scrap policy that slashed benefits, Dec. 15

The recent changes at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) certainly give workers in Ontario reason to celebrate.

Although the board’s actions are appreciated by those affected, it is important to remember that these changes are simply bringing the WSIB’s practices in line with what was legally required and morally correct in the first place.

The GE workers who are now having their cancer claims approved, for example, have been fighting for decades, and the WSIB only granted compensation to some after significant public embarrassment. Many affected workers died before receiving the compensation they deserved.

In addition, the policy that is being changed to prevent cuts to workers’ settlements for pre-existing conditions was likely always illegal.

These are important changes, yes, but they are changes to things that never should have happened to begin with.

David Newbery, community legal worker, Injured Workers Consultants Community Legal Clinic, Toronto