Ex-RCA workers beg for help

Many former workers have been unable to work because of their sickness. They face mounting bills and rely on their families for health-care costs.

The council failed to respond to their petition yesterday.

"I can only pass the petition to the top for further consideration and cannot guarantee a schedule for a resolution," said Shih Fa-chi (石發基), deputy director of the council's labor insurance department.

The RCA workers handed in a similar petition to the council's chairwoman, Chen chu (陳菊), last week, but Shih was unaware of any petition.

The former employees accused council officials yesterday of passing the buck.

One woman, angered by the run-around, attempted to rip her top off to show the scars where her breasts used to be, but was stopped by officials.

"I have limited tomorrows to wait for your answer," she said.