Citra Mina workers have been on strike since 2013 over the arbitrary termination of 238 for organising a union. The striking workers and union supporters have been facing various threats including purported “disappearances” onboard fishing vessels of workers who complain company abuses.

A number of issues have been raised against the company including unsafe and slave-like working conditions, blacklisting to keep workers in line, forced labour, rampant use of labour and fishing subcontracting called “cabo” system, alleged human trafficking and illegal fishing.