On June 20, 2014, the Local received the following communication from attorney Philip V. McCalister concerning the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act:

 Compensation for Radiation Exposure

 Workers employed by Westinghouse – Cheswick during the years 1971 through 1972 who developed cancer may be entitled to a one-time award of $150,000.00 from the U.S. Government.  This award can be paid to the widow and/or children of a worker who has died.

 Westinghouse worker claims became bogged down a few years ago due to inaccurate or incomplete radiation exposure records provided to the U.S. Government by Westinghouse and Curtiss-Wright.  Recently released radiation exposure records have resulted in a review of all claims that had previously been denied.

 If you or a loved one had previously filed a claim that was denied, you can arrange to have your claim reopened and reviewed in light of the “new” radiation exposure model.  Already, many of the “denied” claims have been reviewed and the denial reversed.

 A local attorney, Philip V. McCalister, has been assisting former Westinghouse employees with their claims beginning in early 2002.  He informs us that a large percentage of eligible workers or their survivors have not yet made a claim.  Attorney McCalister will assist you in your claim if you call him at 724-339-8318. (Mr. McCalister’s address is 2400 Leechburg Road, Suite 202, New Kensington, PA  15065)

 This $150,000.00 compensation is available to Westinghouse employees or their widow or even adult children, where the employee was employed during the years of 1971 and 1972 and who have developed certain cancers, including:

 Leukemia, Lung Cancer, Multiple myeloma, Lymphomas (other than Hodgkin’s), & the following: Thyroid, breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary, bone and liver (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis).

 While Mr. McCalister is not the only attorney capable of handling claims related to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, he has been involved with this case since 1999.  If you or your loved one meets the criteria outlined in Mr. McCalister’s communication, I encourage you to seek legal advice.  If you know of any other retiree who may have lost touch with the Local, please let them know about this communication and urge them to contact the Union Hall.