Communication workers yesterday called for better compensation and more funding for research relating to the deadly asbestos-related disease mesothelioma.

The CWU conference heard that the disease, related to exposure to asbestos that develops years after the first exposure occurred, is said to have claimed thousands of lives with no end in sight.

National executive committee member Ian Ward told how there was going to be 100 per cent compensation for those contracting the disease, but that the coalition government had stepped into block the move. 

“The campaign does not end here, we will continue to fight with other unions for justice,” said Mr Ward.

London delegate Phil Waker lost his father as a result of mesolthelioma. He declared that “more research into the disease is vital.”

John Humphries, of London Postal Engineering, told how his branch had lost a number of people to the disease. 

“The government have watered down legislation relating to this disease. We need to continue to pursue the campaign,” he said.