Indonesian Fishermen File Lawsuit Against Bumble Bee Foods Over Forced Labor Claims

Four Indonesian fishermen are suing Bumble Bee Foods in federal court, alleging that the company was aware of and profited from forced labor practices among its suppliers. The fishermen recount harrowing experiences at sea, including starvation and abuse.

On a vessel harvesting tuna for the U.S. market, fishermen have reported dire conditions, including hunger so severe that they resorted to consuming bait. Others recounted violent encounters with captains, including physical assaults with metal hooks, and one suffered severe burns after an accident, surviving without any medical attention for days, relying solely on self-treatment.

These allegations have come to light through a lawsuit filed in California by four Indonesian fishermen against Bumble Bee Foods, one of America's oldest canned tuna brands. The plaintiffs charge the San Diego-based company with turning a blind eye to the abuses endured by workers on the ships that supply them. While Bumble Bee has opted not to comment on the ongoing litigation, the fishermen hope that their case will bring much-needed justice.

Muhammad Syafi’i, a 2021 victim and one of the plaintiffs, shared his plight during a Zoom interview from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He recounted his experience as a cook on a boat that caught tuna for Bumble Bee, detailing how he was compelled to relinquish nearly half of his meager salary, approximately $320 per month, to cover various charges. After suffering grievous burns from hot oil, he was denied immediate medical assistance and was only eventually allowed to return to his home.

The fishermen's claims highlight a troubling trend within the seafood industry, raising questions about the ethical practices of major brands profiting from such dire situations. As public scrutiny intensifies, the lasting implications of these allegations on corporate accountability and labor rights remain to be seen.