Thai Union Group PCL and the World Tuna Purse Seine Organization (WTPO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Manila, Philippines, to establish a high-level framework of cooperation and coordination to ensure fair labor practices in the purse-seine sector.
The MOU includes the implementation of best practice on fair labor standards in operations. Specifically, both parties agreed to develop policies and rules on ethical crew employment and fair labor practices, including training, social responsibilities and basic policies for the sea-based operations of purse seiners.
“As the largest seafood producer in the world, Thai Union Group is committed and focused on efforts of reform in the fishing industry and [has] taken significant steps to promote safe and legal labor,” said Darian McBain, Thai Union’s global director of sustainable development. “To genuinely eradicate slavery, the entire industry needs to work together on sustainable and evidence-based solutions. That means businesses, governments, civil societies and even consumers must actively participate. This MOU between Thai Union and WTPO is an important part of that effor."
