Trident Seafoods is calling its labor and safety policies “among the best” in the industry in the wake of alleged labor violations publicized by a workers’ rights organization.
The Seattle-based seafood supplier, one of the United States’ largest, is among four U.S. seafood suppliers cited in a report released by the National Guestworker Alliance (NGA) on Friday. The organization is trying to expose labor violations among Walmart suppliers on the heels of an investigation that found “systematic” labor violations at C.J.’s Seafood in Breaux Bridge, La., which supplies crawfish to the retail giant.
“Trident is committed to conducting its business in an ethical, legal and responsible manner. Worker safety has and will always be the company’s No. 1 priority. Treating workers with dignity and respect is an absolute core value of our culture,” said Joe Misenti, the company’s VP of human resources, in a statement forwarded to SeafoodSource.
Added Joe Bundrant, the company’s executive VP, “These allegations are an insult to our company, our customers, and most of all, our employees who we respect for their hard work and their commitment to maintain a culture of safety and excellence.”
The NGA’s allegations against Trident are based on a single case of refusing entry to a union representative in 1989 and a list of OSHA [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] infractions dating back to 1983, many of which resulted in “no fines.”
Trident pointed out that its facilities have earned awards from state agencies in Minnesota, Washington and Alaska. For example, in October 2011, the company’s Anacortes, Wash., facility received a MERIT certificate from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for its safety record and commitment to maintaining a healthy workplace. Trident’s surimi facility in Motley. Minn., achieved STAR status through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industries in May 2009, while its Akutan and Kodiak plants in Alaska have both been recognized under the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).
America’s Catch of Itta Bena, Miss., Aqua Farms Crawfish of Basile, La., and Southern Pride Catfish Co. of Greensboro, Ala. were also cited in the report. America’s Catch also responded to the allegations.
