International IUF delegation in Brussels calls for EU action on rights violations by Citra Mina in the Philippines

Members of the SENTRO Citra Mina Workers Union in the Philippines joined an international trade union delegation for talks in Brussels on April 24 with the European Union’s Directorate General for Trade on systematic abuses by Citra Mina and the need for firm EU action to ensure respect for international human rights standards throughout the Philippines’ massive tuna industry. The delegation comprised the IUF, the IUF European regional organization EFFAT-IUF and food workers’ unions from Belgium (CCAS) and Norway (NNN).

Under the EU’s GSP+ system, tuna exports from the Philippines receive tariff-free entry into the European market on condition that minimum rights standards are respected. The union delegation highlighted Citra Mina’s systematic anti-union practices, the current Philippines government’s suspension of an order by the previous government mandating measures to combat the worst forms of exploitation on fishing vessels and Citra Mina’s abandonment of crews arrested for illegal fishing in Indonesian waters.

On the following day, the IUF delegation leafleted the annual Brussels Seafood Expo, the world’s largest commercial sea food fair where both Citra Mina and the government of Philippines were present.