Frozen and canned seafood producer Thai Union Group, in collaboration with the Labor Rights Promotion Network Foundation (LPN), has issued an educational labor rights booklet to migrant workers in Samut Sakhon, Thailand. It provides information on labor rights, child labor, children’s rights and education, human trafficking, and emergency assistance numbers.
According to a statement from Thai Union: “This community engagement program helps ensure migrant workers understand their rights under Thai law, as well as educates them about the risks of human trafficking and how to protect themselves.”
The booklet was distributed to migrant workers on International Migrant Day. The event was organized by LPN at Wat Sri Suttharam School in Samut Sakhon, where more than 200 migrant workers participated.
Prior to 2016, Thai Union initiated a joint labor empowerment program with the Migrant Workers Rights Network (MWRN) to formally educate workers on their basic rights, Thai labor law and social welfare regulations. This year, the engagement program with MWRN expanded significantly and a Global Ethical Migrant Worker Recruitment Policy was announced. Thai Union also works with groups such as the Issara Institute and Labor Rights Promotion Network.
Last year, Thai Union worked with LPN to develop a training program for Thai Union workers on education rights. It helped heighten awareness children’s educational rights and created greater understanding on the school enrollment process in Thailand.
New Focus on China Market
Meanwhile, it was reported on December 27 that Thai Union is selling its 50% stake in a canned tuna joint venture in China to Philippine partner Century Pacific Food, the listed arm of Manila-headquartered Century Pacific.
“The sale will allow Thai Union to focus on new opportunities in the China market, including the launch of the King Oscar brand in the frozen and chilled salmon and shrimp segments,” said Whitney Foard Small, global director of corporate communications.
Century Pacific Food is acquiring a combined 100% interest in a group of entities from its parent and Thai Union for $2.56 million, according to Nikkei Report.
“China could be a future growth market for us, with its total canned food market estimated to be increasing by double-digits annually,” said Gregory Banzon, Century Pacific Food’s vice president and general manager. “We look forward to growing our product portfolio and expanding our distribution network in China.”
