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.  

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