“The Food Network for Ethical Trade (FNET) welcomes this important report on recruitment practices within the tuna industry. We believe meaningful, lasting change on systemic human rights challenges is only possible through collaboration. Supporting this study reflects our commitment to collective action and shared learning. We look forward to working with our members alongside industry bodies, governments, and the private sector to address recruitment risks, and turn these insights into practical action — supporting the advancement of fairer, safer recruitment practices not only in the tuna sector, but across global food supply chains.”
Labour issues and human rights violations have become the subject of rising concern in seafood supply chains. Where migrant labour is utilised, these risks are often heightened.
A consortium* of seafood groups across the tuna processing supply chain funded a study that seeks to provide insights on how to enhance responsible recruitment practices, and operationalise the Employer Pays Principle, by using examples from the global tuna processing sector.
The study focuses on five key countries in the global tuna processing sector. Impactt, commissioned by the consortium to conduct this study, used interviews, surveys, and a regulatory review of those regions, to better understand the challenges, and identify opportunities for action. The activities focused on migrant labour used in tuna processing plants and included inputs from external stakeholders as well as industry members. These inputs were used to tailor recommendations for future actions from a buyer, supplier, and industry association perspective.
See also the summary report here.
