The overall goal of the GLP program is to help address child labor and forced labor throughout Thailand’s shrimp and seafood processing industry local and global supply which is one of the country’s largest exports.
Mr. ThiraphongChansiri, President, Thai Union Frozen Products PCL., said, “Supporting and participating in the ILO’s Good Labor Practice program will help us to further strengthen our current international labor practices, which also extends to our business operationsin the other parts of the world namely in North America and Europe.”
“TUF already has in place an International Code of Conduct that regulatesour operations and our supply chain to adopt and promote good labor practices and refrain from engaging in child labor or forced laborfrom catch to can. We have always been committed to good labor practices. We will continue to take appropriate measures to ensure all labor practices are of an internationally ethical standard.”
“Living up to our International Code of Conductis paramount to our global operations in order to ensurethat TUF and our brands in North America and Europe remainsa reliable provider of safe and premium quality seafood products, a valuable investment for our shareholders, a dedicated corporate citizen in our communities and, most importantly, an employer of choice for our global workforce of more than 32,000 people,” Mr.Chansiri said.
According to the Letter of Intent, the GLP program provides a framework for cooperation between the government and individual businesses to work together to implement labor standards that respect Thai Labor laws and international labor standardsfor better working conditions in the industry. It also combines practical workplace improvements, facilitated self-assessments of compliance to the guidelines and training services.
ILO Country Director of Thailand, Cambodia and Lao PDR Mr. Maurizio Bussi said, “It’s encouraging to see that a Thai-based global brand like TUF openly supports good labor practices and will work with our organization to improve the industry standards in Thailand. We hope that in turn this inspires other Thai organizations to participate and become aware of the importance of promptly addressing child labour and other unacceptable forms of work across the seafood industry.”
“With private business like TUF working together with the Thai Government, international organizations like the ILO, workers’ organizations, civil society and industry associations, we look forward to seeing good labor practices being strengthened and effectively implemented and contributing to a better protected workforce in Thailand, which in turn can lead to widespread economic sustainability benefits,” he said.
As part of its commitment to good labor practices, TUF became Thailand’s first food processer to join the United Nations Global Compact, which is an international initiative that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies in areas including human rights, labor standards, environmental practice and anti-corruption. As a participant, TUF commits to upholding the integrity of the Compact’s ten binding principals and transparency in its reporting of how its business aligns with globally ethical standards. Currently only 30 Thai-owned businesses are active participants of the Compact, making this a significant step forward for the fishing and food processing industry.
Mr.ThiraphongChansiri, President, Thai Union Frozen Products PCL., concluded “TUF, our subsidiary companies and our people are certainly committed to Good Labor Practices. We have beenactively and collectively working to make sure the whole supply chain is ‘cleanable’ and ‘clean’ by making the path cleaner, doing things the right way and contributing to a better society as a whole.”