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Lawsuit Accuses Milwaukee Tool Of Using Forced Labor In China
https://www.whatjobs.com/news/world-news/lawsuit-accuses-milwaukee-tool-of-using-forced-labor-in-china
By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted June 29, 2024
Milwaukee Tool is being sued by a former Chinese prisoner who alleges he was forced to produce work gloves for a supplier to the power tool company.
The Wall Street Journal reported the plaintiff filed the lawsuit under the pseudonym Xu Lun in Milwaukee federal court.
He accuses Milwaukee Tool and its Hong Kong-based parent, Techtronic Industries, of using prison labor in 2022 to manufacture Milwaukee Tool-branded gloves.
Xu remains in China and fears for his safety if identified.
He claims he was part of a prison labor crew.
Xu claims they were subjected to threats of beatings and electric shock if they did not comply.
A spokesman said despite rigorous investigations, Milwaukee Tool found no evidence of forced labor in its supply chain and considers the lawsuit meritless.
Techtronic has not commented on the lawsuit.
The company’s 2022 environmental, social, and governance report asserts its prohibition of forced labor in its supply chain.
This lawsuit arises amid increased US scrutiny of goods allegedly made with forced labor in China.
US law enforcement usually blocks the import of such goods rather than fining the companies involved.
Xu is using a law that allows human trafficking victims to seek damages.
He has not specified the amount of compensation sought.
Milwaukee Tool has previously faced allegations regarding forced labor in its supply chain.
"U.S. companies shouldn’t be able to take advantage of cheap labor in China and then turn around and feign shock when they find out there are serious problems with their supply chain, all while holding themselves out as some homegrown American brand”
In April, the US banned imports from Shanghai Select Safety Products, an alleged Milwaukee Tool glove supplier.
Xu claims Shanghai Select outsourced its orders to Chishan Prison in Hunan province, where he was incarcerated.
Milwaukee Tool has since terminated its relationship with the supplier.
Shanghai Select’s majority owner, Coverguard, has not responded to requests for comment.
Xu is formerly an advocate for vulnerable groups.
These include people with disabilities and those living with HIV and AIDS.
He described harsh conditions at Chishan Prison.
Prisoners, excluding the elderly and disabled, were forced to work up to 13 hours a day with minimal rest.
They earned roughly $1.41 per month.
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Refusal to work or failure to meet quotas resulted in severe punishments.
Prisoners were subjected to restricted bathroom use, denied family visits, and physical abuse.
A representative from the Chinese Embassy in Washington has not commented on these allegations.
Xu’s lawyer, Times Wang, argues Milwaukee Tool and Techtronic should have been aware of the forced labor practices.
Wang said: “U.S. companies shouldn’t be able to take advantage of cheap labor in China and then turn around and feign shock when they find out there are serious problems with their supply chain, all while holding themselves out as some homegrown American brand.”
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