NGOs concerned over worker exploitation amid rising demand for surgical gloves

CORONAVIRUS | Amid rising demand for surgical gloves due to the Covid-19 pandemic, human rights organisations have expressed concern over possible exploitative working conditions for employees in the industry.

Financial newswire Responsible Investor said Malaysia which is responsible for 60 percent of the world’s surgical glove production, has received a letter from the European Union (EU) requesting that it takes “necessary measures to ensure adequate production and supply” of the equipment.

Manufacturers were suggested to use creative methods to keep up with the demand such as “24/7 production”.

NGOs have since expressed concern over the human rights of foreign workers, particularly of workers from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Indonesia, in the industry which has been an ongoing problem within the sector.

There is a history of workplace exploitation within the industry with reports surfacing in 2019 alleging exploitative working conditions at Top Glove, the world’s largest rubber glove manufacturer and fellow Malaysian glove giant WRP. This included forced labour, forced overtime, debt bondage, unsafe working conditions, withheld wages and passport confiscation.

Similar practices have been reported at glove makers YTY Industry, Hartalega NGC and the listed Supermax.

WRP was blacklisted in Sept 2010 by the US over purported usage of forced labour but the ban was revoked in March amid a surge of demand for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Migrant worker issues activist Andy Hall said it is disappointing to see the responses of countries in failing to emphasise the importance of upholding their commitments against modern-day slavery and forced labour.

“It is not a question of either increased glove production to meet global needs and to ensure the protection of frontline health workers or the protection of workers at high risk of forced labour – both are crucial at this time,” he said.

Tenaganita executive director Glorene Das said her organisation has already received reports that foreign workers were not being given adequate food or being paid for their labour.

“If left unchecked, this pandemic will lead to tremendous exploitation of workers – who are now at their most vulnerable. These industries have already failed to meet the basic needs of their workers in the past and must not be allowed to do so again.

“We are currently in the midst of collecting evidence of human rights abuses and violations,” she said.

Meanwhile, DAP’s Klang MP Charles Santiago said it is up to those in power to ensure the workers are well cared for.

“While the EU’s concerns are understandable, the onus is on regulators and manufacturers to ensure that workers are adequately protected, not only while at the factory but at their shared accommodation which can often be cramped and squalid.

“Factory workers who are risking their health and wellbeing by working should also receive additional compensation for their hardship, something that nearly all manufacturers have refused to do so far,” he said. - Mkini