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
Boilermakers
Bricklayers
Electricians
Elevator Constructors
Firefighters
Insulators
Iron Workers
Laborers
Longshoremen and Other Maritime Workers
- International Longshoreman’s Association
- International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
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
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.