European natural stone importers acknowledge need for improvement of labour conditions. The import of granite and other natural stone products into the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and other European countries is increasing. Granite is much used for public infrastructural projects, like pavement. The production of granite and other types of natural stone is still far from sustainable, concludes the report ‘Improving working conditions at Chinese Natural Stone Companies’ that was just now published by SwedWatch and SOMO. Safety is a major issue in Chinese tile cutting facilities and quarries. Working weeks of seven days are no exception. Payment is poor. European importing companies acknowledge the problems described in the report and are willing to contribute to improving the working conditions. Research took place in quarries and stone processing facilities in Fujian and Shandong provinces. While issues differ per region, the overall research findings are relevant for the bulk of the trade practices of European buyers. In terms of occupational health and safety, the quarrying and processing of natural stone is a high risk business. Accidents and occupational diseases such as silicosis are common. Workers have to pay for gloves, dust masks and other protective gear. Most employers fail to provide written contracts. Training or information on health issues is lacking. Interviewed workers insist on higher payment and health insurance. A number of European buyers as well as their Chinese suppliers provided support and input for the research, acknowledging that improvement is urgently needed. In the Netherlands, natural stone companies, business associations and civil society organisations are united in the Working Group on Sustainable Natural Stone, a multi stakeholder initiative. The objective of the Working Group is to support companies in improving labour and environmental conditions throughout their product chains. The report ‘Improving working conditions at Chinese Natural Stone Companies’ provides concrete recommendations to this end. Image source: indianet.nl. > Continue.
Message received by Covalence | Country: China | Source: India Committee of the Netherlands
