The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), which represents 155 million unionised workers worldwide, has just launched an action to raise awareness of the situation of  workers in the jewellery sector in China.

Thousands of silicosis cases have been reported in jewellery factories and the problem is especially prevalent among gemstone workers in southern China. Many employers have failed to provide their workers with even the legally-required minimum level of workplace health and safety protection. In recent months, about 30 workers are known to have taken court action to force their employers to pay them decent compensation. These victims face immeasurable difficulties, including problems in obtaining adequate compensation. Many of them have not received medical treatment in time to prevent their conditions from deteriorating and their employers have used means of avoiding their legal responsibilities.

• Letter to be sent to the Chinese President