Local News in Brief : Union Probe of Lockheed

The union representing about 8,000 workers at Lockheed Corp. plants in Burbank and Palmdale has announced that it is conducting an “expanded investigation” into allegations by its members that Lockheed’s use of chemicals and composite materials has caused health problems among workers.

“The union has been conducting investigations of worker complaints on a case-by-case basis,” said Bryan Carver, president of the International Assn. of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Lockheed was served last week with a class-action complaint filed on behalf of at least 150 employees at the Burbank plant who allege that exposure to toxic chemicals caused them severe health problems, including skin discoloration, soreness, rashes, cancer of various organs and other related diseases and disorders. The suit in Los Angeles Superior Court is an extension of a lawsuit filed almost two years ago by employees allegedly exposed to the chemicals used in the making of high-technology aircraft.

Lockheed declined comment on the latest phase of the legal action.