Workers of the former Salonit factory in Vranjica are seeking compensation for exposure to asbestos

More than 100 former workers of the defunct Salonit factory in Vranjic held a protest late Wednesday evening, demanding compensation for exposure to asbestos. The group, which had previously received compensation for job loss, is seeking additional financial support due to their prolonged exposure to the hazardous material during their time working at the plant. Their demonstration highlighted concerns over being excluded from a proposed new law offering compensation for asbestos-related health risks. The protesters expressed frustration over being left out of the draft legislation, which aims to provide financial assistance to individuals affected by asbestos exposure. According to Nenad Grgić, a former Salonit employee, those who have already received compensation for losing their jobs should also qualify under the new proposal. “We who were compensated for job loss are asking to be included in this new law regarding asbestos exposure because we were exposed to it as well,” he stated. The demonstrators emphasized that attorney Ivan Primorac from Rijeka will represent their case, aiming to include approximately 180 former employees, those who received compensation for job loss, in the new legal framework. This proposed law is currently undergoing procedural steps and outlines compensation for workers exposed to asbestos, excluding those who have already been compensated for job loss. Grgić added, “We hope the attorney can achieve a positive outcome for us since those of us who received compensation for job loss were also exposed to asbestos.” Former workers who received compensation for job loss amounting to €29,000 each are requesting the same sum as compensation for asbestos exposure. Some of these former Salonit workers have passed away, but their heirs could claim their rights under the new legislative proposal, a provision the protesters viewed positively. The protest underscored the broader issue of occupational safety and the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure. Many of these workers spent years in environments with high levels of asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to severe respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Despite the dangers, many were unaware of the risks at the time they worked at the factory. The proposed law has sparked debate among legal experts and labor advocates. While some argue that including those already compensated for job loss would ensure fairness, others question the feasibility of expanding the scope of the legislation. Legal representatives for the government have yet to comment publicly on whether the current draft will be amended to accommodate these claims. The situation highlights the complexities surrounding workplace safety regulations and the challenges faced by former industrial workers dealing with the consequences of past exposures. Asbestos was widely used in manufacturing processes until its health risks became more apparent in later decades. Many countries have since implemented strict regulations, but the legacy of past exposure continues to affect workers and their families. Legal proceedings related to the proposed changes are ongoing, with the final decision likely to hinge on court rulings and negotiations between advocacy groups and policymakers. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving other industries where asbestos was commonly used. The protesters remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the new law will be adjusted to reflect their plight. They continue to push for recognition of their exposure and the associated health risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions that address both past and future occupational hazards.