Politics National Council wants to expand support for asbestos victims
The expansion of financial support for asbestos victims by the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund has passed its first parliamentary hurdle. The National Council voted in favor of a corresponding amendment to the Accident Insurance Act.
03.03.2025, 16:28
SDA
With 130 votes in favor, 64 against and no abstentions, the large chamber thus followed the lead of its preliminary consultation committee for social security and health (SGK-N) on Monday. The latter recommended that the Federal Council's proposal for a corresponding amendment to the Federal Accident Insurance Act (UVG) be adopted.
The amendment is intended to secure the future of the Foundation Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims. Around 120 people still fall ill with malignant mesothelioma every year because they have inhaled a carcinogenic amount of asbestos fibers. Twenty to thirty of them are not entitled to benefits from compulsory accident insurance because they were not exposed to asbestos at work.
The Council of States must now decide on the bill.
