The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the former prisoner of Chishan Prison in China’s Hunan Province, who uses the pseudonym Xu Lun as he fears for his safety.

He seeks compensation for unpaid wages and other damages under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act 2000.

The lawsuit states that Lun and others had to manufacture several types of Milwaukee Tool-branded work gloves, while working up to 13 hours a day.

“Xu Lun” is reported to be a campaigner for the rights of those affected by HIV, Aids and other conditions. He was jailed for five years for “subversion of state power”.

“The factories had no air conditioning or heating, and the prisoners were subjected to severe weather conditions,” the suit states. “Many prisoners developed eczema and other skin ailments in the hot and humid factories.

“The factories were also laden with fabric dust so severe that prisoners were required to wash off the dust before they were allowed to take showers. This constant exposure to dust caused respiratory health issues for many of the prisoners.”

“Despite rigorous investigations, Milwaukee Tool has found no evidence of forced labour in the production of our gloves,” the company said in a statement released to local media in Wisconsin.