James Hardie Faces Picket Until It Pays Out -- MesoLink.org -- 11-25-04

James Hardie, the disgraced Australian manufacturing giant, faces yet more embarrassment and pressure as angry protesters have set up a picket outside the manufacturing plant in Sydney. James Hardie has gained extensive news coverage over recent months after claiming that it cannot pay compensation to victims that contracted a deadly cancer through the company’s negligence.

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, and in its heyday James Hardie was shipping a wide range of asbestos products without adequate warnings and labelling. Thus the company is not in the midst of many claims from victims that were exposed to asbestos through James Hardie’s products and have contracted mesothelioma or other adverse health effects.

Protesters have stated that the picket is intended to be a permanent one until James Hardie faces up to its responsibilities and pays victims what they are owed. Andrew Ferguson, Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union state secretary, stated that the protesters have even set up a shed outside the plant, making it clear that they intend to persevere until James Hardie does the right thing. He stated:

“The victims have made that decision, we intend to back them up. We are seeking further community support, we have got a permanent picket outside the head office of the multinationals in western Sydney and with ongoing community support that picket line will be maintained until the final victory is won for the victims.”