A new Unifor-sponsored report shows that workers at the GE plant in Peterborough, Ontario were exposed to more than 3,000 toxic chemicals, including at least 40 known or suspected carcinogens.

“These GE workers have suffered horrific and often terminal diseases at a disproportionate rate, yet approximately half of the compensation claims filed have been rejected, abandoned or withdrawn due to insufficient proof.” said Joel Carr, Unifor National Representative.

“This report provides much needed evidence to allow the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board to reopen and support these claims.”

Unifor will present the new report, which conclusively documents the extent of worker exposure to toxic chemicals, to Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). To download the report click here

The chemicals workers were exposed to include: asbestos, arsenic, vinyl chloride, beryllium, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, PCB, uranium, lead, and many others. The study found that workers were immersed up to their elbows bare handed into chemicals, chemical-soaked rags were used to clean equipment, and asbestos boards were cut without proper respiratory equipment, and more.

“I’ve seen the results, I’ve been to the funerals.” said GE retiree Sue James, who has lost many colleagues as well as her father Gord, a GE veteran employee who died with a tumour in his lung and four on his spine.

There are 31 Unifor members with WSIB claims for GE job-related illness, including several forms of cancer. The report, authored by two occupational health researchers, was commissioned by the Advisory Committee on Retrospective Exposures, consisting of retired GE workers and supported by Unifor.