Eternit, the former asbestos-cement company, has just disclosed its intention to set up a foundation that would assist financially workers who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. Compensation will be given to Eternit employees from the Niederurnen and Payerne plants whose illness is caused by asbestos.

According to CAOVA, the Swiss asbestos victims organisation, the allocated amount is insufficient. Moreover, the conditions required to file a claim for compensation are too vague.

The Eternit foundation will be subsidised by Eternit Switzerland for an amount of 800,000 euros. To be eligible, victims must be known by the SUVA - the Swiss Authorities competent for Occupational diseases - as having work-related diseases. So far, only 70 asbestos victims have been acknowledged as such by the SUVA. This is definitely a low figure. CAOVA believes that this initiative is an attempt to divert public opinion from the seriousness of the problem.

Source : 24 heures