You Can Help Former Nuclear Workers Get Benefits

Your Local Union might get a call in the next few months from the Center to Protect Workers’ Rights about a claims program for building trades workers who worked at government nuclear facilities. The Center to Protect Workers’ Rights (CPWR), an arm of the Building and Construction Trades Department, is trying to provide evidence of workers’ employment at these facilities so medical care costs and compensation can be paid. CPWR may need your help locating dispatch, health and welfare, or pension records for proof of employment.

The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) took effect July 31, 2001 and is intended to compensate workers whose health may have been harmed by work at nuclear facilities. Under the law, former nuclear workers may be eligible for medical care funding if they have certain illnesses, such as chronic beryllium disease, radiation-related cancers, and chronic silicosis. At the same time, each former worker or a survivor may be eligible for a $150,000 one-time payment.

Time is running out, however, for many of these workers, some of whom did the work as long ago as World War II. But, because many of our brothers and sisters worked at Hanford, WA and other nuclear sites for subcontractors, the federal government may not have individual work records. As of February of this year, the U.S. Department of Labor has processed more than 51,000 claims, but has paid out only about 10,000.

We want to help those who are eligible receive what they deserve. If CPWR calls you, please help. If you have questions in the meantime, contact Trish Quinn at CPWR 301-578-8500.