Utility Workers Union of America
Local 600
AFL-CIO
Representing Office, Clerical, Technical and Residual Employees 

Home Contents Search Feedback IUU

UWUA National News
UWUA National News Grievance Contract Weingarten Holidays Safety Links CPC_LETTERS News Update Membership Meeting Notices Minutes 2007 Delegate Areas MINUTES 2008 AFL-CIO News Union Picnic Minutes 2009 New Page 76

 

Notice to Affiliate

 

Preview Page 1 of 1

                    RICHARD CORDRAY

                                                    Ohio Attorney General

CONSUMER ALERT   December 11, 2009 :                                                                                                                                                                    MEDIA CONTACTS
                                                                                                     Kim Kowalski: (614) 728-9692
                                                                                                                                    cell: (614) 893-6018
                                                                                                                                    Ted Hart: (614) 728-4127
                                                                                                                                    cell. (614) 743-2286

Credit Card Scam Preys on Union Workers

(COLUMBUS,Ohio) - Union workers who receive preapproved credit card offers that sound too good to be true should indeed
be wary. Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today warns of advance fee credit card offers targeting Ohio union workers
with promises that often fall short.

The Attorney General's Office has received numerous complaints regarding credit card scams that promise easy credit and
trick consumers into paying upfront fees for credit cards or guaranteed loans that do not actually exist. The latest scam
targets union workers, offering low interest rates if applicants send in a membership fee upfront. The fee does not guarantee
that a consumer will receive a card. If they do receive the card, it can only be used to purchase items from a specific catalog.
"In tough economic times, we're all looking for a little relief and, unfortunately, scammers know it and work to exploit it;' said
Cordray. "While it is a shame that we need to constantly be on guard, it is a necessity. I strongly urge Ohioans to think twice
before responding to deals or offers that sound too good to be true. And always read the fine print."
Cordray offers the following advice to avoid advance fee scams:

• Never send money to anyone who claims they can guarantee you a credit card or loan.
• Be wary of ads that claim bad credit is no problem and guarantee a loan will be issued. No legitimate financial
institution guarantees financing.
• Apply for loans through local banks and credit unions; not through a company that you've never heard of.
• Do not give personal or financial information over the Internet or by phone unless you know the business is
legitimate and you understand why the information is necessary. Scam artists may promise you a loan just to get your
financial or personal information.
• Be suspicious of anyone asking you to send an advance fee for a loan through overnight mail, by courier service or
wire service, and especially to a post office box.
• Researchthe lender. Determine whether it's licensed by a state or federal agency. Start by checking with the Better
Business Bureau and the Attorney General's Office.

To file a complaint or to learn about your consumer rights, visit www.speakOutOhio.gov or call (800) 282-0515.

-

Asbestos Cancer Strikes Veterans

Many Navy retirees are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases caused by exposure which occurred while serving aboard ships in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Because of the long latency period involved in all asbestos diseases, both cancerous and non-cancerous, it may take from 20-50 years or more from initial exposure to the time symptoms begin to appear. Anyone who served aboard ship or worked in the shipyards is at risk.

During and after World War II, the use of asbestos on U. S. Navy ships was greatly expanded as asbestos manufacturers helped in writing ship product specifications. This caused thousands of shipyard workers who helped lay down new ships, and sailors who served aboard them or helped with overhaul in dry dock, to be unknowingly exposed to dangerous asbestos dust when they cut, sawed, mixed or tore out products. Typical products included insulation used on boilers or other high temperature vessels, pipe covering, firebrick, asbestos cement, fireproofing sprays, asbestos gaskets and packing and asbestos cloth and gloves. Those who worked aboard ship as machinist mates, boiler tenders and firemen, as well as those working on aircraft, or in communications or construction, were exposed daily in the course of doing their jobs. Shipyard workers such as insulators, shipfitters, pipe fitters, welders, electricians, painters and laborers, carried out their trades in exceptionally dusty conditions and now carry the greatest risk of disease.

In the 50-year period prior to the mid-1970s, the asbestos industry manufactured insulation products that were installed in almost every building, home, school, ship, car and plane in America. Surprisingly, these same manufacturers knew about the long-term health risks associated with asbestos exposure, but chose to ignore the dangers. By the time the Navy became aware that asbestos products were harmful, it was too late for the thousands of veterans who became ill with asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma as a result of their unnecessary exposure.

After their military service, most veterans of the asbestos era led lives outside the military. They married, built careers and raised families, never knowing that their exposure to asbestos while in the military might cruelly shorten their lives. Decades later and near retirement, many of these men and women are being denied the pleasure of living out their golden years with family and friends.

http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/mesothelioma.htm">Mesothelioma</a>

 

Send mail to mailto:Local600@zoomtown.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1999 The Independent Utilities Union
Last modified: December 21, 2009