Over 10 million employees were exposed to asbestos on the job between 1940 and 1978, among whom plenty of union workers. Asbestos exposure, particularly when it occurs over the course of several years and involves a high level of airborne fibers, can lead to the development of serious, fatal diseases
Since the beginning of the last century, dozens of unions have begun forming, many of which still exist today. While they are best known for their bargaining to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions, unions have been equally instrumental in protecting employees from hazardous conditions and toxic materials such as asbestos. Unions were warning workers and companies about the dangers of asbestos exposure nearly 70 years ago, but their voices were not loud enough. This is because companies had always been putting profit over workers' safety, which has led to employees being continually exposed to asbestos.
Although every union in the country is important and plays a crucial role in protecting workers, the following have been the most vocal with regard to the dangers of asbestos exposure during the last century:
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
- United Auto Workers
- Utility Workers Union of America
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers
- Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
- International Longshoremen's Association
- United Mine Workers of America
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
- International Union of Elevator Constructors
- International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots
- United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Sheet Metal Workers International Association
- National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees
- Laborers' International Union of North America
- International Brotherhood of Electricians
- International Association of Firefighters
- United Steelworkers
- Transportation Workers Union of America
For instance, the United Steelworkers Union has lobbied Congress for decades in the hope of amending the current Toxic Substances Control Act to better protect workers. The union presented its latest case in 2013 to a House of Representatives Subcommittee, citing the ineffectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency and the laws that have prevented the complete ban of asbestos in the workplace. The agency had banned asbestos in 1989, but the decision was overturned in federal court in 1991. "As a result, asbestos is still in commercial use in the United States. The EPA has not tried to ban a substance since the ruling on asbestos 22 years ago," says the official report submitted to Congress in 2013.
Asbestos diseases union members may develop
If you are a union member who worked with asbestos, we strongly encourage you to file a claim with the responsible company. Not only will recovering compensation help you with your medical expenses and treatment, but it will also keep the manufacturers liable for knowingly exposing workers to the carcinogenic mineral. The following diseases make you eligible to file a claim:
We have a vast, impressive database of asbestos companies, asbestos products, and everything in between. After a 20-minute phone conversation with you, we will be able to determine whether you are eligible to file a claim or not.