200+ Philippine workers jobless after US crab export ban halts factory

Over 200 workers in Lapu-Lapu City were suddenly left without jobs after a seafood processing company halted operations. The layoffs came following US export restrictions on Philippine blue swimming crab, raising concerns about compliance and labour protections. Local authorities have since stepped in to provide temporary relief and investigate the situation further. The trouble began on May 16 when around 222 to 245 agency-hired workers at a seafood processing plant in Mepz, Lapu-Lapu City, were told to stop working without warning. The sudden halt followed a US National Marine Fisheries Service decision to restrict crab exports from the Philippines. Officials cited insufficient evidence that the country’s marine mammal bycatch monitoring and reporting systems met required standards.

The company retained its regular employees, and some displaced workers were reassigned to other client firms within the economic zone. However, 109 affected individuals received support from the local government, which distributed five kilograms of rice to each on May 29. In response to the layoffs, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE 7) conducted an inspection at the plant. The agency will now organise a clarificatory conference with stakeholders to monitor redeployment efforts and ensure compliance with labour laws and worker welfare protections.

The displaced workers face uncertainty as investigations into the export restrictions and labour practices continue. DOLE 7’s upcoming conference aims to address redeployment and uphold regulatory standards. Meanwhile, the local government’s aid provides short-term relief while broader concerns over trade compliance remain unresolved.