Bumble Bee accused of putting corporate interests over human dignity

After years of forced labor, a group of Indonesian fishermen filed a suit against Bumble Bee tuna under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA), accusing the company of being complicit in their abuse. A few months later, the tuna giant asked for the suit to be dismissed. Now, the fisherman have responded, arguing that they have a right to have their modern slavery allegations heard in court. 

No dispute on abuse 

In a landmark first, four fishermen filed a lawsuit in March under the TVPRA against Bumble Bee tuna. This case marks the first time the seafood industry has faced a challenge under this Act, and observers view it as a bellwether for future claims.

Bumble Bee claims it had no knowledge of the offences and asked the court to dismiss the case in June. However, the fishermen say, on the contrary, through its actions, or inactions, Bumble Bee created not only the risk of forced labor, but also the incentive for the abuse.  

Common Dreams reports,

Sari Heidenreich, senior human rights advisor at Greenpeace USA, said: “… Rather than act to ensure that workers in their supply chain are protected from forced labor and abuse, Bumble Bee has attempted to sweep them aside through a procedural motion…

This move is more than just a legal strategy; it is an attempt to avoid accountability, silence vulnerable workers, and protect corporate interests over human dignity.”

Bumble Bee admits that fishermen were held in debt bondage, denied fair wages, isolated at sea for months, and subjected to both physical and psychological abuse. However, the company argues the case should be dismissed as the survivors lack standing for their claims. Further, that they failed to state a proper claim under the law in question and that the court lacks jurisdiction.  

A disturbing pattern of ignoring abuse 

Pointedly the recent response alleges Bumble Bee gets 95% to 100% of its tuna through a ‘trusted network’ of vessels. And that most of these vessels, including the ones the fishermen were abused on, fish exclusively for Bumble Bee. 

Importantly, they argue their experience of abuse reflects a broader pattern. A pattern partially enabled by Bumble Bee’s continued use of a practice called transshipment. Experts widely criticize the practice due to its proven links to forced labor. As a result, other major seafood companies abandoned this practice.

According to Heidenreich,

A just and sustainable seafood industry must prioritize the well-being of all its stakeholders — from the migrant fishers working under dangerous conditions to the American consumers who have made it clear: they do not want seafood tainted by modern slavery or environmental destruction.

Bumble Bee likes to tout its transparency tool allowing consumers to trace each can of tuna back to the boat that caught it. But in their Motion to Dismiss, the company tried to distance itself from those same suppliers. Greenpeace and the fisherman argue Bumble Bee cannot have it both ways.  

Slavery is never a good catch 

It’s estimated at least 128,000 fishers worldwide are victims of forced labor. And this crime has a strong connection to other related crimes, such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. All of which contribute to the degradation of our oceans and the climate crisis. 

It’s time to tell Bumble Bee and other companies that corporate responsibility shouldn’t stop at the border, no matter which country. Freedom United stands with the fishermen and other organizations calling on companies to take responsibility for ensuring their products are slavery free. Stand with us and tell companies it’s past time to put people and planet before profit.