Unilever India settles mercury poisoning claims with workers

Mar. 11, 2016 – The Indian arm of Unilever has reached a settlement with hundreds of former employees 15 years after its thermometer plant in southern India was shut following accusations of mercury contamination. A workers’ group says mercury poisoning killed 45 workers and 18 family members over a period of 33 years.

According to The Associated Press, Hindustan Unilever has agreed to provide payments to 591 former workers and their families for livelihood and skill enhancement programs without accepting legal responsibility.

The company has denied that any employees were harmed, and says that the contaminated areas of the factory were cleaned up after the plant was shut in 2001.

— With files from The Associated Press