Rubber Glove Industry During Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has meant unprecedented demand for rubber gloves. Consequently manufacturers are recording enormous increases in profit. However for the worker little has changed. In Malaysia, where approximately 60% of the worlds rubber gloves are manufactured, workers continue to experience exploitation and debt bondage.

CNN Business recently reported:

“Many of the serious forced labor indicators identified in the 2019 audits remain systematic within the workplaces of the Malaysian rubber gloves industry,” [labor rights activist Andy Hall] said. And the companies’ remedial actions don’t go far enough, he added.

Despite pressure on the industry to improve dangerous working condition such as high temperatures, excessive noise and exposure to harmful chemicals, exploitation still remains rife. Read more…