TU action welcomed

"It is the right decision from Thai Union to bring its primary processing facilities in house given the almost complete absence of the rule of law within this sector and the inability of companies like Thai Union to be able to rely on transparent non corrupt law-enforcement," said Migrant Workers Rights Network in a statement.

It attacked the group of being late in tackling accusations that slave labour has been used in its supply chain. The plan, announced on December 10, was developed during the past months with a significant amount of input from stakeholders including MWRN.

"For this reason, the decision to bring primary processing facilities in the house is necessary, practical, realistic and to be strongly welcomed," the group said.

It also announced that TU is committed to allow MWRN full and transparent access to its 5 major seafood export facilities in Thailand, which will include more primary and food processing departments brought in house by 2016, to conduct mapping to solve remaining challenges, undertake a worker education programme and promote better social dialogue between workers and management.