Wisconsin AFL-CIO Statement on Lorbiecki v. Pabst

Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale released the following statement calling for a complete affirmation of the Court of Appeals decision in Lorbiecki v. Pabst, a case concerning justice owed to a victim of mesothelioma:

Last week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments in a case involving worker safety and justice. At the center of the case is Gerald Lorbiecki, who tragically died less than a year after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, which he contracted after repeated asbestos exposure at his worksite.

The right to a safe workplace is a fundamental right of every worker. Every worker should be able to go to work and return home safely, unscathed by physical injury or occupational illness. 

To this day, far too many workers are suffering from occupational illnesses like mesothelioma, a cancer that is caused through the repeated exposure to asbestos. When the worksite causes workers injury and illness, justice must be served and workers’ dignity must be upheld.

In its unanimous decision written by Chief Judge White, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals considered all the evidence and applicable legal precedent and arrived at the right decision. In doing so, the Appellate Court affirmed the rights of Mr. Lorbiecki under the law and the dignity of his life and work, which will positively impact other workers to come. The Wisconsin Supreme Court would be wise to completely affirm this decision.