Lawsuit against Milwaukee Tool for Using Chinese Political Prisoners as Forced Labor
Fundraising goal: $75,000
Total anticipated litigation costs: $400,000
The Issue
Milwaukee Tool, a power tool and construction products company based in Brookfield, WI, has allegedly been sourcing work gloves made by political and other prisoners using forced labor at Chishan Prison, Hunan Province in the People’s Republic of China. Our goal is to end this practice and to seek justice for the prisoners and their families.
The Plaintiff
The plaintiff is someone who was recently released prisoner from Chishan Prison and who was forced to make Milwaukee Tool gloves. For safety reasons, not much more can be publicly said about them.
The Defendants
Milwaukee Tool and its parent company, Techtronic Industries (TTI), a global manufacturer and marketer of power tools, outdoor power equipment, and floor care appliances. TTI's headquarters is in Hong Kong. We also have evidence that a French company is a critical component of the supply chain. Thus, in addition a civil lawsuit in the United States, a criminal proceeding in France is also being contemplated.
The Evidence
Firsthand evidence provided by our plaintiff, which includes detailed testimony about their experience at Chishan Prison being forced to make gloves bearing the distinct Milwaukee Tool logo.
Testimony from Taiwanese human rights activist, Lee Ming-che, who was released on April 14th, 2022 after 5 years of imprisonment at Chishan Prison for “subverting state power”. Mr. Lee said that he and other inmates were also forced to manufacture gloves with the Milwaukee Tool logo under severe, inhumane conditions.
Supply-chain evidence linking Milwaukee Tool to a company with known ties to Chishan Prison.
Expert evidence that will be made public when the complaint is filed.
The Legal Team
The plaintiff is being represented by Farra & Wang PLLC, a DC-based firm with expertise in plaintiff-side litigation, human and civil rights litigation, and China-related cases.[1]
[1] Times Wang is a partner at Farra & Wang PLLC.
Media Coverage
Milwaukee Tool’s alleged involvement with forced labor at Chishan prison has been widely reported by:
With your help, we can help end forced labor at Chishan Prison and hold the corporations that benefited from it accountable.
Thank you for supporting this important case.
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