The women allege National Semiconductor in Greenock failed to protect workers from toxic substances at its Greenock plant.

They say they have developed cancers and reproductive illnesses as a result of substances in use at the plant.

Employees have joined forces with US counterparts

Lawyers acting for the group of about 70 women say litigation through the US courts is the only option still open to them and a joint action has been launched with US employees who allege thay have also been affected.

Scottish firm Thompsons Solicitors has begun an action in Santa Clara, California, against the company on behalf of Phase Two, an action group formed by former and current employees at the plant.

It is alleged toxic and carcinogenic chemicals used in the microchip manufacturing processes caused cancers and reproductive problems, including birth defects.

Lawyer Frank Maguire, of Thompsons, said: "I was contacted by Phase Two to investigate the possibility of fault on the part of National Semiconductor regarding harm to current and former employees.

"Investigating the matter, it became apparent that the responsibility for any fault did not lie with the company in Scotland, because business was conducted from California.

Common interest

"We realised there was a common interest with people who had been exposed to the same substances in America and the same degree of harm was arising.

"After liaising with two US law firms, we have teamed up to conduct the litigation together."

Mr Maguire said his firm was taking a class action covering employees in both Scotland and the US which would allow employees and former employees who believe they had contracted illnesses to come forward at a later date.

He said the main aim of the litigation was to find the company at fault for its global enterprises.

Workers say processing chemicals caused illnesses

"If we do not bring to book the centre of management control where the fault lies, then there will be other facilities opened up in other centres where the same thing is repeated and Phase Two don't want that to happen," said Mr Maguire.

Phase Two chairwoman Helen Clark, who worked at the Greenock plant from 1979 to 1985, when she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, said the legal move was a crucial breakthrough.

Mrs Clark, who is now in remission but still suffers from muscular spasms and has difficulty breathing, described National Semiconductor as arrogant.

"We were assured by the company that we were in a clean environment, but we were breathing in air which contained a cocktail of chemicals which I am convinced led to my health problems," she said.

"I am very angry with the company because I was a loyal worker to them and they have let me and my colleagues down very badly.

"The company have treated us with complete arrogance - but while they did not protect us they have a duty to protect future generations of employees in what is still an expanding industry."

Without merit

A spokesman for National Semiconductor said: "We believe the lawsuit is without merit.

"An individual's health is affected by various factors, such as family history, eating, drinking and smoking habits.

"The annual report of public health 1996 for Argyll and Clyde public health department indicates that the Inverclyde area has a higher rate of 'coronary heart disease, strokes and cancers' and that much of this can be attributed to 'lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor diet'."