Troubled waters: The secret world of arbitration

Imagine losing a limb, going blind or almost dying on the job. And then imagine not being able to hold those responsible accountable. Welcome to the largely secret world of arbitration. It’s routinely used by companies worldwide to keep injured workers out of courts and out of the public eye.

Filipinos make up a quarter of all seafarers. And for ship workers from the Philippines, arbitration clauses are mandated by their government. This means that many workers don't receive adequate compensation when injured or underpaid on the job.

Investigative reporter Karen Foshay reports on what happens when they are injured at sea.

Additional reporting by Aurora Almendral.

Photo: A seafarer stands aboard a ship. (Hannah Reyes Morales)