Unions

Unions Work to Protect Workers from Job Related Asbestos Exposure

Even With Union Help, Workers Exposed to Asbestos Benefit From Legal Guidance

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, steelworkers, electricians and sheet metal workers. What these occupations have in common is that employees must work directly with or around asbestos-containing products.

Automotive

• United Auto Workers

Boilermakers

• International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

Bricklayers

• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

Electricians

• International Brotherhood of Electricians

Elevator Constructors

• International Union of Elevator Constructors

Firefighters

• International Association of Firefighters

Insulators

• International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers

Iron Workers

• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers

Laborers

• Laborers’ International Union of North America

Longshoremen and Other Maritime Workers

• International Longshoreman’s Association
• International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots

Mine Workers

• United Mine Workers of America

Plumbers and Pipefitters

• United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters

Roofers

• United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers

Sheet Metal Workers

• Sheet Metal Workers International Association

Steel Workers

• United Steelworkers

Transportation Workers

• National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees
• Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
• United Transportation Union
• Transportation Workers Union of America

Utility Workers

• Utility Workers Union of America

Asbestos Legal Help for Union Workers

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.