Thai Union Introduces New Business Ethics and Labor Code of Conduct

Code is One of Many Initiatives Designed to Drive Positive Change to Earn Trust

BANGKOK — September 30, 2015 — Thai Union is introducing a new, more stringent Business Ethics and Labor Code of Conduct with higher level of accountability and transparency throughout its supply chain.

The new code will apply to all its member companies and be available in 13 languages, replacing the company’s 2013 Code of Conduct concerning Labor Practices and is another example of the company’s ongoing commitment to upholding human rights.

Thai Union’s Code of Conduct is built on 12 fundamental principles designed to reinforce a culture of integrity and is aligned with the United Nations Global Compact principles of basic responsibilities to people and upholding their basic rights. The revised code focuses on the recruitment and treatment of workers stipulating protocols on employee welfare, benefits, wages, age, the right to freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, and non-negotiable frameworks for health and safety. Like its 2013 predecessor, the new code has a zero tolerance policy for human rights violations in the supply chain.

“This new code further defines the expectations of our suppliers and showcases our commitment to earn the trust of customers, consumers and the world by operating with integrity and high ethical standards. We relentlessly work against corruption in all forms, promote good governance and increased transparency,” said Thiraphong Chansiri, Thai Union president and CEO.

“In recent years, we’ve seen too many instances of human trafficking and labor abuses coming from many parts of the world – it’s unacceptable. We hope others will join us to demand an end to labor abuses.”

Chansiri said the new code is just one of numerous efforts being employed to ensure a supply chain free of human rights violation. Thai Union:

• Is a member of the Shrimp Sustainable Supply Chain Task Force, an international industry alliance including leading retailers, manufacturers, government and NGOs with the goal of ensuring Thailand’s supply chain is free from forced labor through accountability, verification and transparency.

• Has internally audited 100 percent of its Thai shrimp feed supply chain to an internationally accepted best practice standard developed by the task force. UL, an independent auditor, will audit 50 percent of our Thai shrimp feed supply chain by 2015. By 2016, 100 percent of our Thai shrimp feed supply chain will be audited by UL, providing independent third party verification of compliance to internally accepted best practice standard.

• Will internally audit 100 percent of our Thailand-sourced sardines, mackerel and seabream by the end of 2015. Once the internal audits are completed, suppliers will begin undergoing third-party audits.

• Began a formal training program for Thai fishing boats and brokers for Thai raw seafood materials.

• Is working in collaboration with the local NGOs on training programs for Thai Union foreign workers’ to ensure they know and understand their rights under Thai law.

The Business Ethics and Labor Code of Conduct applies to all majority owned companies within the Thai Union group and will be rolled out with implementation and auditing plans. In addition, by the end of 2015, all Thai Union manufacturing sites in Thailand will be trained on compliance with the new code.

For more information or to see the code of conduct in its entirety, visit http://www.thaiunion.com/en/sustain/commitment-to-human-rights/code-of-conduct.ashx