HEALTH apparatus manufacturer, Ansell, has issued stern warning that it will not tolerate any breaches to its Labour Standards Policy, Human Rights Statement or Supplier Code of Conduct.
The Australian company said its suppliers are contractually required to comply with the behaviours and standards detailed in its upplier Code of Conduct.
“We require regular third-party audits on the performance of our finished goods suppliers in Malaysia. Plus, we also monitor supplier performance through direct engagement and regular performance reviews, in addition to third party audits,” Ansell pointed out in a statement with reference to its ties with local glove maker, Brightway Holdings Sdn Bhd.
“Details on our approach to labour rights in our supply chain can be found in our 2020 Sustainability Report and Modern Slavery Statement.”
On Dec 28, the Human Resources Ministry (MOHR) announced that it will be filing 30 charges against Brightway and its subsidiaries for breaching multiple laws during a raid conducted the previous week.
“The Peninsula Malaysia Labour Department (JKTSM) have investigated Brightway and its subsidiaries Biopro (M) Sdn Bhd and La Glove (M) Sdn Bhd for breaching the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446),” MOHR was reported saying.
“With that, the ministry will be filing 22 charges against Brightway and Biopro for breaching Act 446, and eight charges will be filed against LA Glove (M) Sdn Bhd.
Touching on the case, Ansell said it had conducted a third party audit on Brightway on May 10, 2019 to ensure the latter was complying with the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) standards.
However, Ansell said the audit then did not reveal findings on the unacceptable living conditions and it is in the midst of probing the lapse. The company has scheduled another third-party audit between March and April this year.
“In line with the advice of human rights and labour experts, Ansell’s preferred practice is to work with suppliers to achieve meaningful improvement, thereby ensuring secure employment and improved conditions for workers, rather than reactively cancelling supplier contracts in response to specific events or allegations,” it reiterated.
“We know that systemic and industry-wide change takes time, and we are committed to being proactive in that change. However, if a supplier fails to undertake corrective actions and is not seeking to achieve improved outcomes in good faith, we will terminate the relationship.”
On related matter, manufacturing company Kimberly-Clark Professional said that they have notified Brightway on their concerns over non-compliance to labour standards and have urged the latter to comply with the law.
“While Kimberly-Clark Professional does not source any products from Brightway’s LA Glove facility mentioned in news reports, we are committed to ensuring that all employees within our supply chain are treated with respect and in accordance with our workplace and human rights standards,” noted the American multinational personal care corporation in a statement.
“We have notified Brightway that we expect them to confirm compliance with all applicable standards at all sites, including any facilities that are manufacturing products for Kimberly-Clark, and take any necessary corrective action.
Kimberly-Clark added it will be auditing both the alleged non-conformances and Brightway’s corrective actions over the coming weeks. – Jan 12, 2021
