Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford has a long history of representing union workers and their families who have developed mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related diseases as a result of occupational exposure to asbestos. The highest concentration of mesothelioma cancer is found in union tradesmen, industrial plant workers, and veterans who routinely worked with asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos has been used since the 1930s in all kinds of building materials and consumer products.
Asbestos was used in insulation, drywall and joint compound, fireproofing, brakes and clutches, gaskets and packing, electrical products like arc chutes, terminal blocks, and wiring, and even in cosmetics and talc. More than 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma across the country each year, and unfortunately, many of those people do not live more than 12 months after their diagnosis. Over 80% of patients die within five years. Mesothelioma is a latent disease, meaning the disease does not manifest until 20 or more years after exposure. Sadly, this means that it’s not always caught early enough to be treated.
For generations, the Lipsitz family has been rooted in the labor movement. With a career spanning six decades, John’s father Richard Lipsitz, Sr. was the preeminent attorney representing the interests of labor unions and workers throughout Western New York.
Seeing how honorable and well-respected their father was made following in his footsteps an easy decision for both his sons—although in different capacities. John’s brother has long occupied a leadership position in the local labor movement, and John, driven by his personal connection to the victims of asbestos exposure, chose to practice law.
Construction sites required numerous trades, such as taper/drywallers, insulators, carpenters, electricians, and pipefitters, to assist in the construction and renovation projects. Structural steel was covered in asbestos-containing fireproof insulation. Asbestos pipe covering and insulating cement-covered pipes, duct work, and boilers.
Union tradesmen who removed, applied or worked in the vicinity of these asbestos-containing materials may have been exposed to asbestos dust. Inhaling dust and fibers from the application of asbestos-containing materials placed workers at risk for developing mesothelioma or lung cancer. Even those who were not in direct contact with asbestos materials remain at risk for the development of asbestos-related diseases.
We realize that many labor unions have disbanded, merged, or evolved over the years. Below is a partial list of labor unions that represent workers in high-risk occupations for asbestos exposure.
Many Local Union members have developed and died of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases as a result of their exposure to asbestos while working as insulators. Until 2007, the insulators’ union was known as the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers.
* IBEW Local 10 (Johnson City, NY) https://ibew10.org/
* IBEW Local 36 (Rochester, NY) https://ibew36.org/
* IBEW Local 41 (Buffalo, NY) http://www.ibewlocal41.com/
* IBEW Local 43 (Clay, NY) https://www.ibew43.org/contact
* IBEW Local 97 (Western Division: Orchard Park, NY / Central Division: Syracuse, NY / Eastern Division: Albany, NY) https://ibewlocal97.org/
* IBEW Local 237 (Niagara Falls, NY) https://www.ibew237.com/
* IBEW Local 241 (Ithaca, NY) https://ibewlocal241.com/
* IBEW Local 325 (Binghamton, NY) https://ibew325.net/
* IBEW Local 910 (Watertown, NY) https://ibew910.org/
* IBEW Local 1249 (Cicero, NY) https://ibew1249.org/
* IBEW Local 2213 (Syracuse, NY) https://ibew2213.org/
*U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 22 (West Seneca, NY) https://ualocal22.com/
*U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 373 (Buffalo, NY) https://ua373.com/
*U.A. Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 81 (Formerly U.A.Local 267) (Syracuse, NY) https://ualocal81.org/
*UA Plumber & Pipefitters Union Local 112 (Binghamton, NY) https://www.ualocal112.org/
Boilermakers AFL-CIO Lodge 5, Zone 5 (Floral Park, NY) https://boilermakerslocal5.com/about/
Boilermakers AFL-CIO Lodge 5, Zone 7 (Orchard Park, NY)
Boilermakers AFL-CIO Lodge 5, Zone 175 (Oswego, NY) https://boilermakerslocal5.com/boilermakers-zone-175/
Boilermakers AFL-CIO Lodge 5, Zone 197 (Albany, NY)
Boilermakers Local 7 (Buffalo, NY) https://boilermakers.org/local/7
Boilermakers Local M18 (Buffalo, NY) https://boilermakers.org/local/m18
Boilermakers AFL-CIO Lodge 308 – Cement Workers (East Aurora, NY)
Boilermakers AFL-CIO Lodge 328 D (Akron, NY)
Boilermakers Local AFL-CIO Lodge 342 D – Cement Workers (West Chazy, NY)
Boilermakers AFL-CIO Lodge 82 S (Corfu, NY)
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2 NY/VT (Liverpool, NY; Albany, NY) https://baclocal2nyvt.org/
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 3 (Rochester, NY) https://bac3ny.com/contact-us
Millwright Local #1577 (Buffalo, NY)
Carpenter’s Local Union 276 (Cheektowaga, NY; Rochester, NY) https://carpenterslocalunion276.com/
Carpenter’s Local 289 (Buffalo, NY) (See above. On April 5, 2011 when the UBC International combined former Local #66, Local #85, and Local #289, it formed Carpenters Local Union 276 – which represents 12 counties in the Western New York Area)
Local Union No. 4 in Buffalo, New York – Local No. 4 – (Buffalo, NY) http://www.insulators4.org
Heat & Frost Insulators Local 4 Buffalo Local 4 of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers is a labor union that represents insulators in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Buffalo, New York, Local 4 was one of the original local labor unions that comprised the international union chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1910, along with locals from New York, Chicago, Saint Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.
The union is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Until 2007, the insulators’ union was known as the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers. Members of the Buffalo local have jurisdiction over insulating work occurring in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming, Genesee and Orleans Counties in New York; and Warren, McKean and Potter Counties in Pennsylvania. Insulating work occurs in commercial and industrial locations, as well as in construction sites.
Local 4 insulators have worked at nearly every major construction site and industrial location in Western New York, including Ashland Oil, Bethlehem Steel, Hooker Chemical, Donner Hanna Coke and Durez Plastics. Some of the major contractors who have employed insulators from Local 4 include Frontier Insulation, Niagara Insulation and Buffalo Insulation Distributors.
Local 4 insulators apply thermal insulation to any equipment or apparatus that requires a controlled internal temperature. Up until the early 1970s, asbestos was incorporated into insulating materials utilized by Local 4 insulators, including pipe covering, insulating cement and block insulation. Many members of Local 4 have developed and died of mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases as a result of their exposure to asbestos while working as insulators.
A large construction project or industrial site, such as Marine Midland Center or DuPont, contained miles of steam and hot water pipes, which were covered with asbestos-containing pipe covering. Simply handling pipe covering caused asbestos dust and fibers to become airborne. Insulators often had to cut asbestos-containing pipe covering with a saw or knife in order to fit irregular lengths of pipe. When insulators cut pipe covering, asbestos dust was emitted into the air, which the insulators inhaled.
At power houses and other industrial sites, Local 4 insulators took part in a periodic maintenance procedure called a “shutdown”. During a shutdown, insulators removed old, worn insulation and replaced it with new insulation. Clouds of asbestos-containing dust were created while removing and applying pipe covering during shutdowns. Asbestos-containing insulating cement was applied to irregularly-shaped equipment, including pumps and valves. It was also occasionally used in order to cover block insulation on boilers and other high-temperature applications. Insulating cement was manufactured as a dry powder, and it was typically shipped to a job site in a heavy paper bag.
In order to prepare insulating cement for application, insulators poured the dry powder into a pail or tub and mixed it with water. Pouring and mixing insulating cement caused asbestos-containing dust to become airborne. Steam boilers in nearly every large building or work site were often insulated with asbestos-containing block insulation. Kettles, tanks and vessels at chemical plants were also covered with block insulation. Local 4 insulators cut and shaped block insulation with saws and knives in order to fit it to the contours of the equipment. When asbestos-containing block insulation was handled or cut, asbestos fibers were emitted.
https://lipsitzponterio.com/memories-of-local-no-4-interview-with-george-roehling/
https://lipsitzponterio.com/interview-with-jim-hawley-former-asbestos-insulation-worker/
Local 12 (New York, NY)
Local 12A (Long Island, NY)
Local 26 (Rochester, NY) http://www.insulators26.com
Local 30 (Syracuse, NY)
Local 40 (Albany, NY)
Local 91 (White Plains, NY) http://www.local91.org
Plasterers and Cement Masons AFL-CIO Local Union 9 (North Tonawanda, NY) Plasterers Local #9 – Plasterers Local 9 represents union plasterers in Western New York. In 1864, Local 9 became a charter member of the Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA). Local 9 in North Tonawanda is also a member of the Buffalo Buildings and Construction Trades Council. Up until the late 1970s, Local 9 Plasterers applied dozens of asbestos-containing building materials, including fireproof insulation, acoustic plaster, acoustic tile and joint compound (mud). Members of Local 9 worked for contractors, such as Buffalo Acoustical, Hudson Plastering and Mader Plastering. Plasterers also worked at a variety of job sites throughout Western New York, including Bethlehem Steel, Ashland Oil, VA Hospital, Buffalo General Hospital, Albright Knox Art Gallery, Kleinhans Music Hall, Main Place Mall and Tower, Pohlman Foundry and the University at Buffalo North Campus.
Local #111 (Erie & Niagara Counties, NY)
Local #262 (New York City Five Boroughs, Nassau & Suffolk Counties)
Local #780 (New York and Long Island, Nassau & Suffolk Counties and Other NY State Counties of Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schohari, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester)
Ironworkers Local 6 – Buffalo Local 6 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers represents union ironworkers in a large portion of Western New York. Headquartered in West Seneca, New York, Local 6 has jurisdiction over iron work in Erie and Cattaraugus Counties, as well as parts of Chautauqua, Allegany, Wyoming and Steuben Counties. Chartered in 1901, Local 6 was one of the original locals of the international union. The ironworkers’ union is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
Ironworkers are involved in various types of construction, including bridge construction; fabrication of concrete reinforcing rods; and, erecting structural steel for buildings. Local 6 ironworkers worked at nearly every industrial site and participated in major construction projects throughout Western New York. Local 6 Ironworkers were involved in building and industrial site projects at Bethlehem Steel, Marine Midland Center, Republic Steel, Ashland Oil, Main Place Tower, and many local hospitals, power plants and public buildings.
Ironworkers Local 9 – Niagara Falls Local 9 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers is a labor union that represents ironworkers in Niagara County. Founded in 1902, Local 9 is one of the oldest ironworkers’ labor unions in the United States. Headquartered in Niagara Falls, the union has jurisdiction over all iron work in Niagara County, as well as parts of Orleans and Erie Counties. The ironworkers’ union is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Ironworkers are involved in various types of construction, including erecting structural steel for buildings, bridge construction and fabrication of concrete reinforcing rods. Local 9 ironworkers worked at nearly every major industrial site in Niagara County, including Carbide Graphite, Hooker Chemical, Carborundum, Durez Plastics and Simonds Saw and Steel.
Ironworkers Local 12 (Albany, NY)
Ironworkers Local 33 (Rochester, NY)
Ironworkers Local 40 (New York, NY)
Ironworkers Local 46 (New York, NY)
Ironworkers Local 60 (Syracuse, NY)
Ironworkers Local 197 (New York, NY) (a/k/a Local Union No. 40)
Ironworkers Local 361 (Brooklyn, NY)
Ironworkers Local 417 (Newburgh, NY)
Ironworkers Local 440 (Utica, NY)
Ironworkers Local 470 (Jamestown, NY)
Ironworkers Local 576 (Buffalo, NY)
Ironworkers Local 580 (New York, NY)
Ironworkers Local 824 (Gouverneur, NY)
Laborers Local 210 – 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.
Laborers Local 91 – Niagara Falls – Laborers’ Local 91 represents union laborers in Niagara County. In 1935, Local 91 was originally founded as the International Hod Carriers’ Building and Common Laborers’ Union of America. Local 91 in Niagara Falls is affiliated with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).
Local 91 are involved in various construction and industrial projects, including brick masonry; asbestos removal; hazardous materials abatement; paving roads and runways; pipe installation; and bridge and building construction. Local 91 laborers have participated in various projects throughout Niagara County, such as Niagara Hydro-Electric Power Generating Station, AES Somerset Electric Generating Station, the Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino, and the Yahoo Data Center.
Up until the late 1970s, Local 91 laborers were exposed to asbestos through materials they applied, removed or handled. Exposure to asbestos dust and fibers can cause mesothelioma or lung cancer many years after initial exposure. Local 91 members were also exposed to asbestos dust by working in close proximity to other tradesmen, including insulators, carpenters, electricians, and fireproofers, who applied or removed asbestos-containing materials.
International Association of Machinists Lodge 2106 and Lodge 586 – Prior to 1983, Spaulding Fibre incorporated asbestos materials into the production of many of its products, including its Bakelite product also known as Spauldite. Because of its fire resistant qualities, asbestos sheets and fibers were cut, woven, and mixed with other materials on a constant basis, filling the plant’s buildings with asbestos dust. In addition, asbestos insulation was used to cover pipes and duct work throughout the Wheeler Street plant. Spaulding Fibre employees represented by the Lodge 2106 International Association of Machinists (AFL-CIO), the tool room employees’ union Lodge 586 IAM, and outside contractors, including carpenters, iron workers, insulators, and electricians, were often exposed to high levels of asbestos dust, a major risk factor for developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) is headquartered at the UAW Solidarity House, 8000 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48214.
The local office for Region 9 of the UAW is located at 35 George Karl Boulevard, Suite 100, Amherst, NY 14221. Region 9 covers Western and Central New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, excluding the counties of Franklin, Cumberland, Adams and York. www.region9.uaw.org
The Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation Workers specialize in fabricating and installing the ducts used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, metal roofing and siding, and kitchen equipment. Recently, this partnership has been successful in completing several of the major projects in Western New York. The Buffalo Airport, Roswell Park, Harbor Center, Ralph Wilson Stadium, Hotel Henry, and the Oishei Hospital are just some of the projects that Sheet Metal Workers have demonstrated their skills and craftsmanship.
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) represents over 160,000 active and retired men and women in both the United States and Canada who work in the Finishing Trades as industrial and commercial painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaziers, glass workers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, convention and show decorators, and more. IUPAT members are highly skilled, and are at every construction project in North America.
The Teamsters are America’s largest, most diverse union. In 1903, the Teamsters started as a merger of the two leading team driver associations. The Teamsters are known as the “champion of freight drivers and warehouse workers,” but have organized workers in a wide variety of occupations, both professional and non-professional, private sector and public sector, and they have over 1.2 million members. The Teamsters Union also performs vital tasks in such areas as pension management, safety & health, community outreach, governmental affairs and communications. There are nearly 1,900 Teamster affiliates which include:
Some of the New York Teamsters Local Unions include:
The American Postal Workers Union (APWU) (Buffalo, NY) https://apwu.org
The APWU local office is located at 275 Paderewski Drive, Buffalo, NY 14212 – (716) 891-7427
The union consists of over 222,000 active and retired retail postal clerks, mail processors and sorters, building and equipment maintenance, custodial workers, truck drivers and mechanics, information technology workers, nurses and others employed by USPS and private-sector employees in the mailing industry.
The International Association of Fire Fighters (www.iaff.org ) represents more than 336,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics across the United States and Canada. They also support the IAFF Foundation with programs that include Disaster Relief, Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, Burn Support and Summer Camp, Survivor Scholarships, Behavioral Health and Wellness, and Occupational Cancer Support. The The IAFF works in collaboration with the Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network and the American Cancer Society (ACS) to further cancer-related support, awareness and research.
IAFF Headquarters – United States – 1750 New York Avenue, NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006-5395 Phone: 202.737.8484
IAFF Headquarters – Canada – 350 Sparks Street, Suite 403, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 7S8 Phone: (613) 567-8988
United Steelworkers (USW) District 4 includes the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and the territory of Puerto Rico. https://www.usw.org/districts/4/contact
Some of the locals are listed below:
(This is an alphabetized list of our website jobsites where labor unions are mentioned)
Many union and non-union laborers who worked on construction projects were employed by various contractors throughout Western New York. Below is a list of just some of the worksites where workers may have been exposed to asbestos and are now at risk of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease:
Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation was created in 1938 by the merger of the Allegheny Steel Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Ludlum Steel Company of Watervliet, New York. In Watervliet, the Allegheny Ludlum steel plant was located on Lincoln Avenue, and it employed approximately 1,000 employees, many of whom were represented by labor unions, such as the United Steel Workers of America, Local 2478.
American Olean Tile Company -Those who worked at, especially during the years 1958 – 1978, were undoubtedly exposed to asbestos. As workers would have mixed in raw asbestos fiber into the ceramic tile formulations, asbestos-laden dust became airborne, exposing anyone in the area. Those who installed asbestos-containing tiles manufactured by American Olean Tile Company, such as general customers and union tile-setters from Local 45, were also exposed.
Chevrolet Buffalo The labor force at this plant was part of Local 424 of the United Auto Workers Union, as part of reorganization of General Motors.
Chase Tower – (previously called Lincoln Tower) – serves as JP Morgan Chases’ upstate NY headquarters
Electricians Local 41 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – (IBEW) Local 41 represents union electricians in Erie County. In 1891, Local 41 was originally founded as part of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Local 41 is based in Orchard Park, New York, and is a member of the Buffalo Building and Construction Trades Council. Members of Local 41 perform electrical work throughout a variety of indoor and outdoor locations, including manholes, roofs, and buildings and in trenches. Local 41 electricians have participated in various projects throughout Erie County, including University at Buffalo, Main Place Mall, Erie County Medical Center, Bethlehem Steel, and Marine Midland Center.
Ellis Hospital – Schenectady, NY
Erie County Medical Center (ECMC)
Ford Stamping Plant (The labor force at this plant consists of members of the United Auto Workers Union Local #897.)
Harriman State Office Building Campus in Albany, New York
Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local Union No. 4 in Buffalo, New York
Jamestown NY U.S. Federal Building and Post Office
Linde Air Products – Chandler Street, Buffalo https://lipsitzponterio.com/critical-role-played-by-union-officials-at-linde/
New York State School for the Blind
Rochester Institute of Technology
St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester
University Hospital, Syracuse NY
We hope that you will never be diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or suffer a catastrophic injury, but if you are, contact us at Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford so we can begin the fight.
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