Overview

Throughout the United States and indeed the world, hundreds of labor and trade unions are in place to protect individuals who work in myriad industries, from steel workers to school teachers.
Unions have played a unique role in U.S. history. At times, they've had a volatile past, causing riots and angering the masses. Some individuals value their connection with their local or national trade union; others think the country would be better off with no such unions. Regardless of one's political opinion, however, history shows that unions have often times been the only support for wronged workers; eager to take up the cause for the underpaid, overworked, and otherwise maligned employee.
In recent years, especially since the problems of asbestos in the workplace have come to light, the trade union has stood behind those sickened with asbestos cancers, including mesothelioma, rallying for the rights of workers who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos on-the-job. For the most part, the banding together of union workers and their leaders has helped the cause and their support has resulted in larger monetary awards for individuals and their families who are touched by the legacy of asbestos use.
Union leaders have helped organize witnesses for court cases, have stepped forward to financially aid widows and children of those affected by asbestos-related diseases, and have fought against inadequate trust funds designed by mega-companies to compensate asbestos victims.
Overall, the role of the trade union in the world of asbestos litigation and compensation has become invaluable. Along with private individuals whose lives have been affected by mesothelioma cancer, members of U.S. trade unions are the activists who will make a difference in the fight against asbestos-related diseases.