UK Workers Claim They Were Dismissed Over Asbestos Safety Fears -- MesoLink.org -- 06-02-06

Hundreds of workers from the UK claim that they have been dismissed from work after expressing fears over the possible health effects of asbestos exposure. The constructions workers are now unsure as to what the future holds for them, claiming that they were dismissed from work over a safety dispute relating to asbestos.

The contractors had been working on new terminals in the Pembrokeshire area, and walked out recently because they were concerned that asbestos was being removed from the site. Although the workers claim that they did actually agree to go back to work early this week they were still dismissed.

Over 100 contractors were not allowed back on site, and they spent the day picketing by the site as other workers continued about their duties. Over 200 of the workers had originally walked out after expressing concerns over the removal of the asbestos and the related safety implications.

Union officials and site managers are due to meet for discussions later this week, but it could still be some time before the workers are allowed back. One spokesperson stated: 'It's good progress if we have a meeting, but it's unlikely any of us are going to be back in work immediately. This is no longer about safety. That's been resolved. This is about us wanting our jobs back. We don't feel we've been treated fairly in this at all. We're hopeful this can be resolved, but a lot depends on whether anything positive happens on Thursday.'