NEWS RELEASE
Thursday 16 September 2004
STUC SENDS MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO INTERNATIONAL ASBESTOS RALLIES
The STUC has sent messages of support to the Australian Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union and the Australian Metal Workers Union to two separate rallies in Australia and Holland to highlight the plight of victims exposed to asbestos by Australian asbestos company, John Hardie.
Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary said
"The first rally was held in Melbourne yesterday (15th September), at the AGM of the company, as a protest at the company's manipulation of the global economy in order to avoid paying compensation to those poisoned by their exposure to asbestos or use of asbestos products manufactured by the company.
"In 2001, this company transferred its operations and assets to the Netherlands out of reach of claimants in Australia. A second rally is planned in Amsterdam this Friday (17th September). They are now holding the Australian Government to ransom, saying they will transfer some of the assets back providing claims by victims are limited.
"This is yet another example of companies, fully aware of the distress and misery that they have caused to workers through exposure to a known dangerous substance, seeking to ignore their legal liabilities".
"Previously American company Federal Mogul, the parent company of Turner and Newall, who once operated an asbestos plant in Glasgow, sought voluntary insolvency under United States law. This resulted in many British victims having their claims frozen while the parent company can continue to trade and win valuable contracts.
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
"Coincidentally, Federal Mogul have now announced that they have no money to meet their pensions liabilities placing their workers retirement at risk.
"It is concerning that not only are companies using the global economy to exploit workers in developing countries, they are using legislation in countries wherever and whenever they feel appropriate to exploit those whose lives have been cruelly cut short by deliberate exposure to asbestos.
"The STUC is aware that members of asbestos groups in Scotland are travelling to the event in Amsterdam and we wanted to ensure our message of support was communicated to both unions".
ENDS
For further comment, please contact :
Ian Tasker
Notes to Editors
- Attached with this news release are the messages of solidarity sent by the STUC.
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
BS/IT
15 September 2004
Paul Bastian, Secretary Australian Manufacturing Workers Union 133 Parramatta Road, Granville NSW 2142
Dear Paul
On behalf of the General Council of the Scottish Trades Union Congress I am writing to express our support for your campaign to secure justice and full compensation for workers poisoned by asbestos fibres as a result of their employment with James Hardie, as well as those who used or came into contact with their products.
The STUC strongly condemns any moves by former asbestos producers and manufacturers to abdicate their responsibility for causing death and disease and seek to use the globalised economy to protect their assets.
Of extreme concern, in this case, is the blatant attempt by this company to limit the claims for these workers by putting direct pressure on the Australian Government through the introduction of what amounts to a no fault compensation scheme.
The STUC commends the AMWU for highlighting this latest injustice and attack on the rights of those dying from, or suffering asbestos related disease, and send our expression of solidarity for what we hope will be a successful campaign and rally on the 15th September.
Yours sincerely
Bill Speirs General Secretary
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
BS/IT
13 September 2004
Lindsay Fraser Assistant Secretary CFMEU Level 2, 15 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney, NSW 2000
Dear Lindsay
On behalf of the General Council of the Scottish Trades Union Congress I am writing to express our support for your campaign to secure justice and full compensation for workers poisoned by asbestos fibres as a result of their employment with James Hardie, as well as those who used or came into contact with their products.
The STUC strongly condemns any moves by former asbestos producers and manufacturers to abdicate their responsibility for causing death and disease and seek to use the globalised economy to protect their assets.
Of extreme concern, in this case, is the blatant attempt by this company to limit the claims for these workers by putting direct pressure on the Australian Government through the introduction of what amounts to a no fault compensation scheme.
The STUC commends the CFMEU for highlighting this latest injustice and attack on the rights of those dying from, or suffering asbestos related disease, and send our expression of solidarity for what we hope will be a successful campaign and rally on the 17th September.
Yours sincerely
Bill Speirs General Secretary