Thai Union break offs contracts with local pre-processors

MAJOR supplier of seafood products, Thai Union said it would cease working with local pre-processors of shrimp by 31 December 2015, and conduct its own processing operations at the start of the new year.

In-house processing will allow full monitoring of the entire production stage. It will also allow Thai Union to guarantee the safety, legal employment, and fair treatment of all its workers.

The decision to assume full control came after the Thai Union reviewed its supply chain. It is also in line with the company's revised Business Ethics and Labour Code of Conduct introduced in September 2015.

According to Mr Thiraphong Chansiri, Thai Union President and CEO, this decision is “a step toward ridding the Thai seafood sector of illegal labor practices.”

Dr Panisuan Jamnarnwej, Honorary Chairman of Thai Frozen Foods Association said, “This is a very encouraging move by Thai Union underlining the company’s commitment to be part of the solution to elevate the Thai seafood industry and driving real change in the management of the category. By bringing pre-processing operations in house, Thai Union will be able to monitor and promote the welfare of their workers directly.”