Poor working condition: International body pulls up Surat diamond industry

The working condition in the diamond cutting and polishing houses in Surat is appalling, said an official of the Belgium-based International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM).

Though he said that that there was no child labour employed in these diamond houses, working conditions are worst as far as health and safety are concerned, said Yamina De Laet, the Diamond, Gem, Ornament and Jewellery Production Officer, ICEM.

"Surat has become a leading centre of diamond cutting and polishing, and I have been visiting this place since many years. From my visits to various diamond factories in Surat, I can say that there are no workers below the age of 14," she said.

But Yamina De Laet was concerned about working condition in the industry. "There are many diamond factories in Surat that provide very good working environment and facilities to the workers.

"But unfortunately, such factories comprise only a small section. In majority of the units, the workers do not have the facilities or the environment that they are entitled to," she told Business Standard.

"In my opinion, this is the worst working condition provided to the employees, the most horrific if one takes into consideration the poor health and safety environment."

And this is having a bad impact on the industry, she said. "The diamond industry of Surat is developing a bad image worldwide. Diamond is a luxury product, and for such products, having a good image is very important."

"The biggest issue for ICEM is to create awareness among the workers that they are entitled to a safe and clean work environment. We are also talking to the diamond traders to make them understand the importance and necessity of providing a safe environment to workers," she said. "We hope that the diamond traders understand our point, and clean the industry."

"As I said earlier, Surat is a major centre for diamond cutting and polishing. More and more people are interested to know under what conditions diamond polishing takes place in Surat. Providing a good working environment is certainly in the interest of workers, and also in the interest of traders. If the industry does not mend its ways, it might have to suffer in the future," she said.

"ICEM is celebrating the 100 years of international diamond workers' solidarity in May' 2005. On the occasion, we have decided to organise a seminar and hold other programmes in Surat.

"This will be a major function, and we expect prominent personalities from the diamond industry from all over the world to attend it. My visit is to initiate preparations for the celebrations."