Global pressure on Citra Mina widens

One of Japan's major seafood companies which imports tuna from General Santos, Philippines, has initiated an investigation into human rights violations by the Citra Mina Group, the Philippines' second-largest tuna exporter. This announcement comes as preparations advance for a visit by a trade delegation from the European Commission. The delegation is charged with looking into the country's compliance with the EU's GSP Plus trade program following international union action earlier this year.

IUF Asia-Pacific Regional Secretary Hidayat Greenfield highlighted the risk to the reputation of the  Philippines' tuna industry as a result of the company's abuses, calling it "A very big mistake that could cost the tuna industry of General Santos and ultimately the people of General Santos." He urged Citra Mina to reinstate the workers and recognize the union to "set us on a firm course for a sustainable tuna industry that restores the reputation of General Santos."