Black-lung payout for migrant workers

SHENZHEN - Fourteen migrant workers who contracted black lung disease due to inadequate safety measures at work have been compensated by the social security fund in South China's Shenzhen city.

The migrants, who are among dozens demanding compensation, have been paid a total of more than 2 million yuan ($294,000), a spokesman with the Shenzhen Trade Union said on Wednesday.

While the official refused to reveal the exact amount paid to each migrant, Zhong Jiaquan, one of the victims, said it ranged from 20,000 to 280,000 yuan each, depending on the severity of the case.