Indonesian fishermen sue Bumble Bee for labor abuses

Four Indonesian fishermen have filed a lawsuit against Bumble Bee Seafoods, claiming they suffered abuse and forced labor while working on fishing vessels that supplied tuna to the company. This case may be the first of its kind against a U.S. seafood business concerning forced labor at sea. The fishermen allege that Bumble Bee was aware of the abusive conditions in its supply chain. The legal action is based on the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which allows victims of human trafficking to sue American companies that benefit from forced labor. Bumble Bee has declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit. According to the plaintiffs, they worked for longline fishing vessels owned by Chinese companies. They reported physical abuse, including one man who was severely injured by a metal hook while working. The fishermen also mentioned they received no medical care for their injuries, and faced pressure to keep working despite their conditions. The lawsuit calls for compensation for unpaid wages and for systemic changes in the fishing industry. The men want Bumble Bee to implement better working conditions, such as providing medical care on board and requiring vessels to return to shore rather than staying at sea indefinitely. Labor abuses in the global fishing industry have been an ongoing issue. The U.S. government took steps in 2016 to combat forced labor in the seafood supply chain. Previous investigations revealed that seafood caught through forced labor in Southeast Asia had made its way to American markets, highlighting the need for urgent reform in the industry.