The Canadian Compensation Employees’ Union Conference (CCEUC) was held in Vancouver, BC from May 19–22, 2026, hosted by the Compensation Employees’ Union (CEU). The conference brought together representatives from several provincial workers’ compensation unions, including BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and New Brunswick, to exchange information, discuss common challenges, and strengthen coordination across jurisdictions.

A key theme throughout the conference was the importance of inter-union collaboration in response to increasingly coordinated employer strategies across Canada. Delegates reflected on the history and purpose of the CCEUC, reaffirming that just as workers’ compensation boards communicate nationally, unions benefit from doing the same to share strategies, trends, and solutions.

Several sessions focused on collective bargaining, strike action, and member mobilization. Ontario shared lessons from its recent strike, including the importance of communication discipline, preparing members for employer misinformation, and using tools such as FAQs and moderated digital channels to support engagement. Delegates also discussed how unions can better respond to employer tactics, legislative pressures, and workplace restructuring.

Another major topic was workload, recruitment, and retention. Provinces reported rising claim complexity, understaffing, high turnover, and difficulty attracting and keeping trained staff. Saskatchewan and Manitoba described challenges with unsustainable workloads and the limited long-term success of simply adding more staff without structural change. There was also discussion about hours of work, weekend scheduling, four-day work weeks, exit interviews, and member surveys as possible strategies to better understand and address retention issues.

The growing impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace was a significant area of concern. Ontario highlighted the use of AI in claims environments, including internal software tools and the need for greater employer transparency. Delegates emphasized the importance of bargaining protections, monitoring changes in work processes, and encouraging members to report technological changes early so unions can respond proactively.

On the grievance and labour relations front, participants discussed grievance trends, accommodation issues, discipline, and disability management, especially in non-occupational cases. Ontario reported a decrease in grievance volume but raised concerns about terminations, conflict-of-interest investigations, and inconsistent accommodation practices. Broader concerns were also raised about outsourcing, rehiring retirees instead of filling permanent roles, and inadequate training for increasingly complex positions.

Health and safety issues were another core focus, especially for union members working within workers’ compensation systems. Discussions included internal staff claims, mental health injuries, vicarious trauma, and the challenges arising when employers also serve as adjudicators or regulators. Delegates shared practices used in different provinces to manage internal claims more fairly and reduce burnout. Related discussions on call centre models highlighted workload strain, long wait times, and weekend work pressures.

The final day focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, member engagement, and union governance. Delegates compared provincial approaches to EDI work, mentorship, young worker engagement, and dealing with inappropriate conduct. Ontario’s mentorship initiative was highlighted as promising practice, while other provinces reflected on the need for stronger and more meaningful engagement strategies.

Overall, the 2026 CCEUC reinforced the value of national solidarity, information-sharing, and coordinated union responses to evolving workplace challenges. The conference provided a forum for practical learning, strategic discussion, and collective planning as unions continue to address bargaining, workload, technology, health and safety, and member engagement across Canada. It has been our pleasure being the hosting province for this conference and we are looking forward to attending the next round in 2028.

Howard Lin, Vice President, CEU