- Insulators
- Pipefitters
- Boilermakers
- Laborers
- Auto mechanics
- Firefighters
- Roofers
- Steel workers
- Electricians
- Sheet metal workers
The Union Fight to Protect Workers from Asbestos Exposure
Unions have long recognized the extensive problem of on–the–job exposure to asbestos, which affects workers in many industries including construction, manufacturing, automobile production, railroads, shipbuilding, and mining. They have negotiated for a cleaner workplace, free of toxic substances, and tried to ensure that employers followed health and safety procedures.
The unions listed below may have members who are at high risk for asbestos exposure. Their job titles include insulators, pipefitters, boilermakers, laborers, auto mechanics, firefighters, roofers, steel workers, electricians and sheet metal workers. What these occupations have in common is that employees must work directly with or around asbestos–containing products.
Automotive
Boilermakers
Bricklayers
Electricians
Elevator Constructors
Firefighters
Insulators
Iron Workers
Laborers
Longshoremen and Other Maritime Workers
Mine Workers
Plumbers and Pipefitters
Roofers
Sheet Metal Workers
Steel Workers
Transportation Workers
- National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees
- Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
- United Transportation Union
- Transportation Workers Union of America
Utility Workers
Unions and Asbestos Legislation
In addition to negotiating and attempting to resolve difficulties involving asbestos at work, unions have taken an active role in the ongoing fight against harmful asbestos legislation. In 2005 and in early 2006, the AFL–CIO expressed concerns about S. 852, a federal bill that would establish an inadequate trust fund for asbestos victims while depriving them of access to the courts. President John Sweeney’s letter to the Senate discussed the delayed start–up of the asbestos trust fund, the restrictions on compensation for those who have both asbestos– and silica–related diseases, and the cancellation of certain asbestos settlement agreements.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) came out squarely against S. 852, stating that the legislation was “neither fair nor just for laborers suffering from asbestos–related illnesses” and a “bailout for certain industries and asbestos defendants.” The United Steelworkers (USW) supported this view, urging “vigorous opposition” to S. 852. Railway worker groups were also unhappy with the legislation. S. 852 may limit and override the rights of rail workers with asbestos claims who had qualified for compensation under a law known as FELA, according to the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees.
Undoubtedly, unions will continue to struggle against any asbestos legislation that would limit the rights of workers and their families, as bills similar to S. 852 have been proposed for several years. At Brayton Purcell, we have also fought long and hard against S. 852 and other unfair asbestos legislation. We have analyzed this bill and tried to mobilize public opinion against it. We expect to continue this battle to protect our clients as well as the public.
Meanwhile, if you have an on–the–job issue involving asbestos exposure, we suggest that you contact your union representative for assistance. For situations in which you have developed an asbestos disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, you may want to consider pursuing your case through the legal system. Please feel free to contact us for more information. We will review your potential case free of charge and advise you of your legal choices. We have been helping asbestos victims for over 20 years, and have developed a large database of medical, legal and technical information to evaluate your situation.