Bishop Blasts James Hardie -- MesoLink.org -- 09-15-04

James Hardie, the Australian products manufacturer being held responsible for many cases of asbestos related mesothelioma, has once again been blasted for not facing up to its responsibilities – this time by a Bishop.

This happened earlier this week in the presence of thousands of protestors outside the Stock Exchange in Melbourne.

The manufacturing company has numerous compensation claims filed against it, but has been in the limelight lately for not making payments to the victims that are now dying – or have already died – from mesothelioma though the use of improperly labeled James Hardie products.

There were around 15,000 protestors that gathered outside the Melbourne Stock Exchange, and they all listened as the Bishop accused James Hardie of not facing up to its moral obligations and responsibilities.

The protestors also heard from one of the victims affected by mesothelioma through the use of James Hardie products. Mr Steward Beckworth discovered he only had about a year and a half to live after being diagnosed this January.

However, when he called James Hardie for help, he was told to go and find a solicitor.

Mr Beckworth, aged 63, stated:

"The building trade is a tough field . . . but when I did it, I didn't expect to be poisoned by the guys who were asking me to buy their products."