USHA EXIM

A Fair Trade Company

REPORTAZ
(April 29 - May 3, 2008)

F A IR
TRADE
GRANITE
AND
MARBLE
STONES

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

 “Look down under your feet as you stand or walk on the stone paved
streets. Do you know where these beautiful stones came from or who
crafted them to perfection? If these stones came from India, I must
confess that these are most probably laced with tears and blood of
underpaid workers, operating in most inhumane conditions.

I highly commend SLA / SAH for the Campaign for Public Procurement
of Clean Stones in Switzerland and plead Municipalities,
Cantons/Customers and the Government to patronize only clean and
Fair Trade stones. If they resolve to do so, things will change on the
Manmohan Shastri (Good-
ground in India.
Do)
Managing Director
A better world is possible, let us work together! Thank You!”
USHA EXIM

INDIA SWITZERLAND

USHA EXIM PVT. LTD.

244, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase- III, New Delhi 110 020, India
Phones: +91 11 4107 8001 to 8010 (10 Lines) Fax: +91 11 2631 8493
E-mails: sales@ushaexim.com shastri@ushaexim.com ushaexim@airtelmail.in
Website: www.ushaexim.com

2
 Parliament along with other Members of Parliament.
The recommendation was accepted and she was
promised positive action on this matter of the business
plan. She too promised to extend all possible assistance
needed to make Model Mining a runaway success in

A n invitation was extended to Usha Exim by the

Swiss Labour Assistance SAH, the NGO of
Social Democratic Party, a coalition partner of
India.
Presentation at Zurich
The Zurich City
the Swiss Government, to make presentations at the
Campaign for Public Procurement of Clean Stones in
Switzerland. Mr. Manmohan Shastri, Managing
Director, represented Usha Exim and World Family
Forum at the Campaign. Ms. Anne Gruzeler of Swiss
Labour Assistance (SLA) and Ms. Katja Schurter had
excellent interaction on various issues of mutual
interest. Katja is the Editor of a magazine published by
SLA. The entire conversation was focused on working
conditions of Granite and Marble Stone Mines in India.
In the morning of April 28th, he had a meeting with Mr.
Christian Engeli, Head, Communication Department,
SLA/SAH and other benevolent official team.
Meeting with Member of Parliament
In the evening Mr. Shastri had a
introductory meeting with Ms. Julia
Gerber Ruegg, Co-Prasidentin SP-
Frauen Schweiz and Member
Parliament-Switzerland, in the office
Julia Gerber of SLA-SAH and they mutually
Politician exchanged views and notes.
Meeting with Ms. Ruth Daellenbach
Director, SLA/SAH & Ms. Julia Gerber,
Politician
Later, a meeting was scheduled with
Ms. Ruth Daellenbach, Director,
SLA and Julia Gerber Ruegg, M.P. .
During the meeting, the conditions at
the Stone Mines were discussed. It
was resolved that attention would be
R. Daellenbach, given to the proposed Model Mine.
Director, SLA
Ms. Gerber recommended preparing
and sending her a business plan on model mining of
granite to enable her to take up the issue in the Swiss
In the evening of April 29th at 7 p.m. Mr. Benjamin E. D.
Putter showed a documentary film on child labour in
Indian Mines followed by a slide show. Mr. Shastri
made a 15 minutes power point presentation at this
meeting on the working conditions and labour laws at
Granite and Marble
Stone Mines in India.
The film and the slide
show concluded with
an in depth question
answer session on the
issue of child rights,
human dignity, working
conditions and
implementation of
labour laws. The Swiss
Press covered the entire
Campaign
in the
print,
Child Labour at Stone Mines
radio and
v i d e o
media with daily reporting of events.
Meeting with Swiss Trade Union
On 30th May 2008, SLA organized an interactive
meeting with Mr. Stefan Giger, General Secretary,
Swiss Trade Union at his office. Mr. Zoltan Doka, Head
of International Department, SLA/SAH and Mr. Shastri
of Usha Exim reached the office of the Trade Union. Mr.
Giger was given a brief on the Campaign of SAH for the
next 3 years including the Signature Campaign from
Swiss citizenry, demanding passing of a Bill in the
Swiss Parliament to permit import of only clean stones
into the country. Mr. Shhastri spoke of the horrible
working conditions at Mines in India and the use of
child labour during mining and processing of stones. He
informed that Usha was already in the process of
creating a Model Mine to set up an example for others to
emulate. Mr. Giger listened and observed very minutely
and informed that it was already quite late to put as an
issue in the coming meeting of the Union, however, he
invited SAH to put this issue of import of clean stones in
their main meeting to be held in September 2008.
It is hoped that the issue of procuring clean stones will
find prominent place in the agenda of the Swiss Union.
Once this issue is debated in totality, a host of Swiss
lawmakers are expected to drive it to its logical
conclusion in the Parliament.

3
 Meeting at Bern
Public Meeting at Bern, the Capital of Switzerland addressed by Mr. Shastri
On the historic Labour Day, the 1st May 2008, he had his
first public speech at Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
The public meeting was organized opposite a very
impressive and big Government building. A podium had
been pitched up in the open area to serve as the stage to
deliver Labour Day Speeches. Many of the stands were
taken up, where take away literature and promotional
materials were available. SAH too had set up a stand
with a lot of literature for distribution. Soft music was
playing in the background, motivating public to gather
around the stage and listen to what the speaker had to
say. The President delivered the first speech
highlighting the labour and Government's policies. It
was followed by speeches by Member of the Swiss
Parliament and leader of Swiss Trade Union. At the end,
Mr. Shastri was invited to address the mammoth
gathering. His message was also translated in the end of
the speech into Swiss German by Anne Gruzeler of
SAH. He thanked the Swiss Government and SAH for
inviting him to the Campaign to share his observations
and experiences with Swiss citizens on the working
conditions at Stone Mines in India.
Mr. Shastri vividly asked the Swiss Public to look below
their feet. Every one lifted his feet up to see what was
below it. There were small pieces of stone tiles all
across. He asked whether they knew from where the
stones under their feet came from. There was quietness.
No one knew as to who worked on those stones to cut
and polish them. Then, he made a thundering statement,
“perhaps I can say with fair amount of certainty that
4
those stones came from a Mine in India and if that is
correct, I can say with equal certainty that child and
bonded labor had been used to produce them under poor
working environment.”
He informed that in India, laborers were not paid even
the minimum wages prescribed by law. He also
informed that in India, a plethora of labour laws already
exist in the Statute Books, but, in actual practice, it is
just paid a lip service. The implementation and
enforcement is poor due to obvious reasons.
He declared that the Swiss consumers and the
Government had in their hand a mighty leverage of
buying power and if the Swiss consumers patronized
and demanded their Government to procure only the
clean stones for public projects, things could begin to
yield desired results in India and improve wages, ages
and working conditions. He persuaded the Swiss
Government to initiate a dialogue with the Indian
Government of their intent to import only clean stones
so that labourers could get guaranteed benefits in
accordance with the established laws in India.
As Mr. Shastri stepped down from the podium after his
public speech at Bern, the Swiss President invited him
for a detailed dialogue to find ways and means to
overpower the ongoing problems of child labour and
working conditions in Granite and Marble Stone Mines
in India. Many Members of Parliament and public
confessed that the facts presented were an eye opener
for them.
Meeting at Zug
Soon after the public meeting and speech of Mr.
Manmohan Shastri at Bern, he left for the beautiful city
of Zug, for his second public meeting & speech at 3 p.m.
Public Meeting at Zug addressed by Mr. Shastri
On the bank of Zug lake, where leading Trade Union
leaders had assembled and a stage had been erected by
the organizers with lavish sitting arrangements for the
public. To captivate the public imagination, entertaining
music and break dance performances were being
presented along with many stalls selling Beer, Wine,
Juices, Snacks and different types of eatables.
Mr. Paul Rechsteiner, President of Swiss Trade Union
Federation delivered the first Labour Day Speech. Mr.
Shastri was invited to speak as the final speaker. He
made a 15 minute presentation on the poor working
conditions at Indian Granite and Marble Stone Mines.
He again repeated his belief that the Swiss consumers
and the Government could tilt the working conditions in
favour of mine labourer by positive intervention. All
they had to do was to insist on buying only the clean
stones. The public response to this appeal was
overwhelmingly positive as a majority of them did not
know the actual working conditions at Mines from
where those stones came from, for which they paid their
hard earned money.
Meeting with Commercial
Enterprise Interstein
At 1.20 p.m. on 2nd May 2008, Mr. Shastri had a very
fruitful round of interaction with Swiss commercial
enterprises. They clearly understood their role and
importance in cleaning up the mess by importing only
'clean' stones produced in dignity- free of child, bonded
and forced labour. He had an in-depth discussion with
Mr. Mario Merino, owner of Interstein, the single largest
stone importer in Switzerland, is the leader in branded
stones. The meeting took place in the office cum
godown of Mr. Merino. He and Anne Gruzeler informed
him of Usha Exim (A Fair Trade Initiative) and World
Family Forum and how it was engaged in spearheading
the movement for Model Mining in India. Mr. Merino
informed about activities of his Company, which also
owned stone quarries in Poland. Mr. Shastri informed
him of the upcoming Model Mine in India with a
consortium of Mines producing clean stones. Interstein
came forward to patronize 'clean' stones and made a
firm commitment to the goal of a fair deal for all
stakeholders.
A Visit to Fest at Glasspalast,
Zurich
He visited the Fest at Zurich in the afternoon,
accompanied by Mr. Zoltan Doka and Ms. Anne
Gruzeller. There, a young Member of Swiss Parliament,
Ms. Rebecca, met him and asked for detailed inputs on
the issue of Public Procurement of Clean Stones in
Switzerland. She declared her resolve to officially raise
the issue in the Swiss Parliament and persuade the
Government to formulate policies conducive to import
of clean stones. Mr. Shastri promised to provide her all
relevant inputs to enable her to lobby for the cause with
intelligence and power.
Workshop in Zurich
On 3rd May 2008, SLA organized a Workshop in Zurich
Glaspalast at 5 p.m. The workshop was moderated by
Mr. Christian Engeli in which Mr. Shastri made a 30
minutes power point presentation, followed by a
question and answer session.
The events of the Campaign for Procurement of Clean
Stones in Switzerland concluded on a positive note on
the 3rd May with the resolution that the Campaign will
continue for a period of three calendar years including a
Signature Campaign involving Swiss general public,
resolving to buy only clean stone henceforth. The
Campaign left its indelible mark on the psyche and
minds of not only Trade Unionists, Parliamentarians,
Politicians and national Leaders, but Traders,
Businessmen and general public at large, whose hearts
went out to simple mine workers in India, whose blood
and tears were splashed across the stones laid at almost
every public building, street, mall, home and
gravestone. It was no mean achievement to have been
able to arouse greater public awareness and action.
USHA EXIM & WORLD FAMILY FORUM
thanks Switzerland! Thank you SLA/SAH!!
Our grateful thanks to each one concerned for
the welfare of mine workers in India!!!
5
Visit of Dr. Norbert Bluem, Former
Minister for Labour, Germany and
President of XertifiX with Mr.
Benjamin E.D. Putter to India
Following the Swiss
Campaign for Public
Procurement of Clean
Stones, Dr. Norbert
Bluem, the former
Minister for Labour,
Germany and President
of XertifiX visited India
on a first hand fact
finding mission. His
Dr. Norbert Bluem principal concern was to
get a feel of the real working conditions at Stone Mines
in India.
He was accompanied by
Mr. Benjamin E. D.
Putter, Representative of
XertifiX, and a two
member German TV
crew of Mr. Tillo and
Ms. Rebecca.
They visited Stone
Mines in South India and
Mr. Benjamin E.D. Putter Rajasthan to witness
how stones are quarried, processed and traded. They
found children working in the Mines, underpaid
workers, long working hours and other forms of
exploitation including lack of medical care, drinking
water, housing, safety and food shortages.
Dr. Bluem and Mr. Benjamin Putter also visited the
offices of Usha Exim and World Family Forum. They
were introduced to the back office staff, which gave a
hearty welcome to the guests of honour in traditional
Indian style with Marigold and Rose garlands. They
were given a guided tour of the building and the massive
handicrafts show room. During the discussions, Dr.
Bluem informed of setting up a Certification body by
XertifiX to inspect stone quarries and processing units
to ensure compliances and issue a unique stone mark
embedded behind every certified piece of stone to
signify the stone being free of child labour and
exploitation. Mr. Manmohan Shastri extended every
co-operation, support and assistance to make the
certification system a runaway success.
Undoubtedly, there is a lot that needs to be done at Stone
Mines, not just in Rajasthan and Karnataka, but also in
other states of India. It is a gigantic task and needs
concerted efforts over a sustained period of time to stem
out the rot that has set in at the Mines in India since ages.
6
Dr. Norbert Bluem at Usha Show Room
We are fully aware that the challenges are too heavy for
any one organisation to carry it through, but together,
we can do something more concrete to protect civil and
human rights, wages, work conditions, gender equity
and rights of children too.
We do sincerely hope that
these earnest efforts will
yield desired results, even
as we are all aware that the
path is filled with all kinds
of hindrances and
obstacles. Resistance and
distraught is in the air
already and personal safety
of individuals involved is
Breaking stones already at stake. Veiled
under the blazing sun threats of retaliation and
dire consequences are open facts. Yet, the ground work
for carrying it forward has already been done.
Labour Rights & Working
Conditions
The general working conditions at Stone Mines in India
is a tell-tale saga of a jungle raj, where might (and
money) is always right and the dignity, sanctity and
worth of human life is constantly undermined. For
millions of Indian mine labourers, life is a daily struggle
for survival.
The Union and State Governments have passed a
number of laws for the welfare of workers. This is
where the buck stops! The Government considers it has
done its duty by passing the law and enforcement
agencies are satisfied with only a token implementation
and lip service. Mine owners do not care for it. An
army of ruffians move in to shut down any voice seeking
restoration of constitutional or human rights. Safety is
blatantly compromised, child, bonded and forced
labour is extensively used.

C h i l d L a b o u r
(Prohibition &
Regulation) Act 1986
prohibits employment of
child labour, however, in
practice; millions of
children continue to work
A minor in the midst of long hours at a pittance.
stones W o r k m e n ' s
Compensation Act 1923
p r o v i d e s f o r
compensation to
workmen for any injury
suffered during his
employment or to his
dependents in the case of
his death. However, in
Mining activities at a c t u a l p r a c t i c e , n o
the quarry site
records of workers are
kept and hence, no compensation is paid.
Minimum Wages Act 1948 provides for payment of
minimum wages prescribed the State, however, in actual
practice, a friction of the wage is paid.
Industrial Disputes Act 1947 provides for the
investigation, settlement & reconciliation of disputes
relating to lockouts, layoffs & retrenchment, however,
in the absence of employment records, workers could be
fired at will.
Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous
Provisions Act 1952 provides for contributory
Provident Fund to which both employers & employees
contribute 12% each, however, in actual practice no
such benefits exists at Mines.
Payment of Bonus Act 1965 provides for the payment of
a minimum of 8.33% of annual wages is to be paid as
bonus, in practice no bonus is paid.
Maternity Benefit Act 1961 provides for 180 days paid
leave to women workers for pre and post natal care,
however, in practice, women workers are fired out of
jobs before delivery.
Poor Work Conditions
1. Payment of Minimum Wages
Legally it is mandatory to pay at least the minimum
wages fixed by the State Governments, but most
businesses pay only less than half the prescribed wages,
depriving workers of sustenance and violating human
rights. Many employers fudge records to avoid
prosecution. Workers are often tutored to report having
received full wages under threat.
7
2. Hours of Work
The legal working period
is 8 hour per day for six
days with one day a week
a s p a i d r e s t d a y.
However many workers
are employed on daily
wages, which means the
day they don't work, their
Heavy Earthmovers & wages are denied. Often,
Drills at work
workers are made to
work 12 to 14 hours daily, for which either no additional
wages or only a token wage is paid.
3. Safety & Health Standards
Employees State
Insurance Scheme makes
it mandatory for every
employer in the private
sector with 20 or more
employees to contribute
4.75% of wages as
employer's contribution
and 1.75% as employee's
contribution to provide
healthcare through ESI Hard Manual Labour
Hospitals. However, a majority of businesses avoid this
provision by keeping their worker strength below 20
and create new firms of contractors every time they
reach this figure.
4. Child, Bonded & Forced Labour
This has been a major issue at Mines as thousands
children have been found working at mines doing
strenuous and hazardous tasks, at a pittance of the legal
wages. Bonded and forced adult labour is a common
sight in Mines. These are workers who borrow small
amount of money to meet family emergencies like
accidents, illness, deaths or social obligations like
marriage at prohibitively high rates of interest and are
trapped into a situation where they repay the interest
through working at Mines either at extremely low wages
or just food for the rest of their lives. On their death,
their young children take over.
6. Gender Inequality
Women workers are paid about half the wages paid to
men. It is alleged that women workers are slow and
possess less skills. Women are also subjected to other
forms of harassments including sexual abuse and
molestation at times to subjugate them.
7. Lack of Potable Water
The Mines are located in dry arid land, where potable
drinking water is not available. The Mines make no
provision and workers have to drink and cook in water
collected in mine pits during rainy season, leading to
many water borne diseases.
A BETTER WORLD IS POSSIBLE