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September 10, 2007

Labor Movement Calls on Bush Administration to Honor Commitment to 9/11 Workers

Piscataway- New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech joined Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ); Dr. Iris Udasin, Principal Investigator at the WTC Medical Monitoring & Treatment Program; and Edwardo Torres, a member of Plumbers Local Union 14 at a press conference to call on President Bush and his Administration to promptly and adequately address the health concerns of workers that responded to the World Trade Center Terrorist Attacks by participating in rescue and recovery efforts. The press conference took place earlier today at the World Trade Center (WTC) Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program in Piscataway.

"Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of the most heinous attack on civilians in our nation's history," commented President Wowkanech. "Without concern for their own well-being, workers from all across New Jersey participated in the massive rescue, recovery and clean-up missions that followed. We owe it to them to recognize their efforts during those difficult days."

While estimates show that more than 40,000 people responded to the World Trade Center site in the days and weeks following the attacks, the Bush Administration has failed to offer any long-term plan to provide for their future health and well-being. The incidences of illness, both physical and mental, are increased among those that responded to the site and are expected to climb even higher in coming years as illnesses caused by exposure to harmful debris manifest themselves.

"Staying home and watching the aftermath of these cowardly attacks from the comfort of my living room never entered my mind," said Torres, a member of Plumbers Local Union 14 and participant in the WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program. "Even had I anticipated the ailments I would face as a result of my involvement at Ground Zero, I don't think it would have changed my decision to respond. However, as the effects of exposure begin to develop more frequently, not just in me but countless others just like me, I hope that the Federal Government will step up to the plate and provide the resources for the care and monitoring we need."

"President Bush has turned his back on workers many times during his time in the White House," concluded Wowkanech. "However, of all of the issues he has been wrong on, his failure to adequately provide for the brave men and women that gave so much of themselves at a dark time for America is truly disgusting." 

For more information please visit: www.wtcexams.org. 
 

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