Indian Diamond Workers Fear Job Losses
August 18, 24
(IDEX Online) - Diamond workers in India fear large-scale job losses and are calling for government intervention as the global recession persists.
It follows Kiran Gems' 10-day closure, which started yesterday (17 August) and reports that many smaller and medium-sized polishing were implementing shutdowns or short working weeks.
"Due to the recession in the diamond industry, there is a concern that a large number of artisans may abandon the industry," the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) said in a Facebook post.
"If the government does not promptly step forward to assist these artisans, there is a possibility that our vital diamond industry could collapse.
"During every recession, many artisans leave the diamond industry, which could lead to a situation where the government and industrialists have to search for artisans in the future.
"To prevent a recurrence of the situation that occurred in 2008, the government and industrialists should stand by the artisans and support them during these difficult times."
Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of DWUG told the Blunt Times newspaper: "In many diamond companies, about 25 to 50 diamond artisans are being laid off randomly so that the true information of the artisans is not revealed and the owners escape from paying bonus and other perks under labour laws."