Union proposes rules to protect female workers

BEIJING - The country's top trade union organization on Monday called for better protection for female employees, who often are employed in unhealthy environments and lack basic protections.

There are about 137 million female employees in the country and many of them work in risky occupations, especially in industries such as shoe and bag making and leather processing, Zhang Shiping, vice-chairwoman of the All China Federation of Trade Unions, said at a news conference one day ahead of International Women's Day.

"Many female workers are working in poisonous and hazardous environments, where there is excessive dust, noise and toxic gases," she said. "They do not receive protection or regular health examinations."