Local 210 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America represents union laborers in Erie County. Chartered in 1913, the laborers’ union has jurisdiction over various types of construction, including concrete pouring; road construction; asbestos and hazardous material abatement; and job site cleanup. Local 210 laborers participated in nearly every major construction project and worked at numerous industrial sites in Erie County. Laborers worked on construction projects and industrial sites, such as Bethlehem Steel, Republic Steel, Semet-Solvay, Allied Chemical, Marine Midland Center, the Rath County Office Building, Main Place Tower, and many local power plants, schools, public buildings and foundries.

Up until the late 1970’s, asbestos was incorporated into materials applied, removed or handled by Local 210 laborers. Laborers were also exposed to asbestos by working in close proximity to other trades, such as insulators, carpenters, electricians and fireproofers. Most workers were completely unaware of the dangers of exposure to asbestos dust and performed their work without wearing masks or protective gear. Members of Local 210 have developed and died from mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases as a result of their exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos-containing materials were utilized in many different applications at large construction sites and industrial plants. Laborers often handled and worked alongside tradesmen who applied and removed asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos was widely incorporated into many building materials and industrial products, including pipe covering, block insulation, roof shingles, joint compound and fireproof materials. It was common for laborers to be present when asbestos fireproofing was applied to structural steel in order to keep the machine loaded with the insulating material. During building construction, laborers routinely swept up dust and debris after drywall finishers sanded asbestos-containing joint compound. Additionally, laborers performed general duties on construction sites, which also exposed them to asbestos.

Inhaling dust and particles from the application of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for developing an asbestos-related disease. If you or a loved one worked as a Local 210 laborer and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, please contact us regarding your legal rights.