May 4th, 2009

I was disgusted yet far from surprised that hard-hearted insurers have mounted yet another challenge to deny the victims of asbestos their rightful compensation.

Despite a bill being passed recently in the Scottish Parliament that ruled asbestos-related conditions were actionable, the money men seem determined not to pay up.

They are now challenging the will of the Parliament rather than accept their responsibility to the victims.

So the fight for justice for these workers goes on as the families and trade unions pick through another legal maze.

This lack of regard for good, hard-working people comes up in complete contrast to the scenes in Clyde Square just a few days ago, when some of us took the chance to pay our respects on International Worker’s Memorial Day.

According to the International Labour Organisation, 6,000 workers die every day across the world, one every 15 seconds. In fact, work kills more people than wars.

Closer to home, the recent helicopter tragedy in the North Sea and the Flying Phantom reminded us all just how fragile life is.

While it is important to remember the past, it is vital that we make sure the lessons learned prevent future accidents and diseases.

Health and safety has to be paramount in the workplace and I am pleased that progress is continung to be made.

Despite the best efforts of many, people are still going to come to harm in the workplace.

That is why I am backing a new bill proposed by my colleague Bill Butler, which seeks to make compensation fairer and quicker

People have the right to work in healthy and safe conditions.

And should that system fail them, workers should not have to go through the delays and humilations that asbestos workers have faced.