Chris Albright, a member of LIUNA Local 1058 and resident of East Palestine, Ohio, returned to America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the improvements to his health following the derailment, his new battle with his employer and what the recently announced settlement from Norfolk Southern means to him.
Following the East Palestine train derailment in Ohio, many local residents suffered from the damage caused by the event. One of these residents is Albright, who developed a heart issue that has kept him from being able to live a normal life. He spoke about his medical condition and his journey to improve his health following the derailment over a year and a half ago. Thankfully, with the assistance of medication, Albright was able to reverse many of the heart issues, and, earlier this year, was cleared to return to work. Unfortunately, while he was medically cleared to work, he is not back on the job.
While the medication helped Albright, he can no longer afford it. In late 2023 due to his declining health, his employer terminated him without notice. Albright discussed his attempts to return to work and how his former employer treated him. Without the insurance from his job, Albright said that he is unable to afford the life-saving medication, and his family struggles to make ends meet.
Recently, the U.S. Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a $310 million settlement with Norfolk Southern to address the harms caused by the East Palestine train derailment. Albright discussed some settlement details, including a potential $70,000 payment to each household, regardless of size. However, this figure is far from the amount needed, especially for households with children, said Albright.
For more from Albright, listen to the show above.