James Hardie Apologizes To Mesothelioma Victim -- MesoLink.org -- 09-14-04

James Hardie, the Australian products manufacturing firm that has spent a great deal of time in negative limelight lately, held its annual shareholders meeting several days ago.

The company has been under fire for failing to compensate the many victims that suffered asbestos exposure through the use of the company’s products, and then went on to get mesothelioma.

James Hardie has claimed that there is not enough cash to pay the claimants, but has also stated that there is a scheme underway to try and raise this cash.

Greg Hayes, a James Hardie shareholder that was diagnosed with mesothelioma nearly four years ago, is still going strong. Mr Hayes contracted mesothelioma after working with roofing material several decades ago.

He has already received a payout from James Hardie, but is all too aware of the fact that others in his situation have received nothing to date.

Mr Hayes intends to hold on to his shares, despite the issues with James Hardie.

The mesothelioma sufferer stated that if only James Hardie would do the right thing and settle the claims, the company’s profile and share prices would quickly rise. Mr Hayes addressed the board of directors at the shareholders’ meeting, and stated that he had been to the funerals of many friends that had been afflicted by this cancer.

Chairwoman, Meredith Hellicar, stated that an apology went no way towards compensating Mr Hayes for his illness, but she added:

"But I do give it and I give it sincerely."