Former Kretschmar packer Chit Medina is thankful for the difference the union has made in her life.
After four years at the meat processing company, Medina was left with excruciating pain in her shoulder, back, neck and lower back that left her unable to work.
Her job, which involved a lot of repetitive work and heavy lifting, had taken its toll.
“I couldn’t take it anymore,” she said.
Unlike workers at non-union workplaces, Medina did not have to seek justice on her own.
For years, the union fought long and hard on her behalf at the Workers’ Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)— an independent body that administers the Ontario’s no-fault insurance program.
"In some cases, it takes a long time to work appeals through the WSIB but I want our members to know that your union is here to help and we are in it for the long haul,” said Pearl Sawyer, President of Local 1000A.
Dealing with WSIB was an incredibly stressful and lengthy process, Medina said, adding the agency rejected her claims multiple times.
“I lost a lot. It was physically and emotionally painful,” she said. “If I had to do it myself without a union, I couldn’t do it.”
This year, Medina finally prevailed. Thanks to Local 1000A, WSIB has now accepted one of her claims and is now providing Medina with compensation. One last claim is still outstanding.
“I am so relieved,” she said. “For all the years I am suffering, for everything, finally, I get answered.”
Eric Depoe, a WSIB specialist for Local 1000A, said the WSIB is now tougher than ever.
"Even after you win entitlement to benefits, they still fight over every dollar they are required to pay,” Depoe said. "The union has to be very watchful to make sure members get everything they are entitled to."
Medina thanked Depoe for his assistance.
“I feel better, psychologically, I feel happy,” Medina said. “I am so happy Mr. Eric Depoe and the union handled my case and helped me.”
Her message to others? “I want other workers to know we have rights if we get injured.”
If you are injured at work, contact your union right away. We are here to help.
