During a Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Western New York chapter meeting held at the Lackawanna Senior Center, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) provided the group with an update on successful claims made to the U.S. Department of Labor by former Bethlehem Steel workers and their families.

“Our long, hard fight for what is fair and right continues to pay off for local families who have now received more than $135.4 million in compensation,” said Higgins.

Last August qualifying local families began to receive benefits that cover health costs and provide compensation for those impacted. In November Congressman Higgins initially reported that the U.S. Department of Labor paid 271 claims made on behalf of former Bethlehem Steel employees totaling over $22.25 million.

According to new data effective this week 1,776 Bethlehem Steelworkers or family members have received over $133.8 million in compensation and an additional $1.65 million in medical expenses.

During the Cold War era, workers at Bethlehem Steel and other facilities helped build the nuclear arsenal.  Without adequate monitoring or protections, many of these people were exposed to high levels of radiation, which in many has led to cancer or other health problems. 

Congressman Higgins started the battle on behalf of Bethlehem Steelworkers initially fighting case-by-case for the merits of the applications of local residents, including a letter in support of Ed Walker’s application in 2007.   In 2008, Ed lost his fight with cancer but his fight for fair relief for local families continued when Congressman Higgins and Senator Schumer introduced the Ed Walker Memorial Act.  

Working with retirees Higgins fought for Washington to listen and at their request the Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health agreed to host a meeting here in Western New York.  After reviewing the evidence and hearing first-hand from local families the Board agreed to grant the designation that will allow local families to get the compensation they deserve. 

“Taking on Washington is never easy, but local steelworkers never gave up and we were right there with them,” added Higgins. “With the same persistence, grit and dedication employed in the plants or on the construction site, Steelworkers built their arguments until the job was done, and today they are finally seeing well deserved success in their long, hard fight.”

Additional information, including claim forms and phone numbers for the Department of Labor, is available for former Bethlehem Steel workers and their families on Congressman Higgins website at: http://higgins.house.gov/information-on-bethlehem-steel-claims.shtml