Indonesian Fishermen Take Legal Action Against Bumble Bee Foods for Forced Labor Allegations

Tue Oct 21 2025 21:47:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Fishermen accuse the U.S. canned tuna giant of complicity in abuse aboard supplier vessels. The company has refrained from making official comments on the ongoing case.

Four Indonesian fishermen have filed a lawsuit in federal court in California against Bumble Bee Foods, alleging that the company knowingly benefited from systemic forced labor on fishing vessels connected with their supply chain. These allegations come from harrowing testimonies of exploitation and abuse endured by the fishermen while catching tuna meant for American consumers.

In their claims, the fishermen describe extreme conditions aboard the fishing boats, highlighting instances of inadequate food supply leading them to consume bait, brutal beatings by captains, and neglect of medical emergencies. One plaintiff, Muhammad Syafi’i, reiterated his plea for justice, not just for himself but for fellow workers still trapped in dire situations.

Syafi’i, who worked as a cook on a tuna boat, recounted being forced to relinquish a significant portion of his meager salary and faced life-threatening conditions when he suffered burns without immediate medical assistance. These alarming accounts underscore the pressing issues surrounding labor rights in the fishing industry, especially concerning American companies like Bumble Bee Foods. The company, headquartered in San Diego, has opted not to comment on the pending litigation amidst these serious accusations.