Helsinki (19.06.2014 - Heikki Jokinen) Members of JHL and Tehy unions organised a Gloves off -demonstration in the reception area of Turku University Hospital. They wished to highlight the ethical issue concerning hospital gloves used at the hospital.
The Finnish industry watchdog Finnwatch published a critical report back in March about the labour conditions at the Semperit factories in Thailand. This Austrian company is one of the leading hospital gloves manufacturers.
According to the report the production and labour conditions in the Thai factories are in violation of local legislation, endanger workers' health and contravene international labour rights.
"It is sad that we have to use unethically manufactured gloves in our daily work" says local JHL shop steward Päivi Huhtala. "We were thinking how we, as Finnish trade union members, could effect change and this small gesture is a demonstration of our support for the Thai workers."
Huhtala says that when it comes to public procurements the working conditions at the factory, workers’ safety and their rights should also be considered.
Tehy local shop steward Lennu Yläneva demands that the hospital include social criteria in their public tenders. "The hospital administration must engage with the Finnish importer to clarify working conditions in the production country."
Finnwatch is a Finnish organisation which focuses on corporate responsibility in the Global South. Trade unions are members through the Trade Union Solidarity Centre of Finland SASK.
The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL is a trade union for people working in the public services and private welfare services sectors.
The Union of Health and Social Care Professionals Tehy represents qualified health care professionals and social workers in both the private and public sectors.
Finnwatch report in English (pdf)