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StarKist takes a maintenance break — just in time for Flag Day

View of StarKist canning plant
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — StarKist Samoa is taking a break for planned maintenance, with the last day of production on Thursday, Apr. 15th, and resuming next week Tuesday, Apr. 20th, while the cannery is slowly hiring new workers, primarily fish cleaners.

Samoa News received information early this week from some cannery workers who said they were informed by their supervisors regarding planned down-time for production, and it’s just in time for the Flag Day holiday.

Responding to Samoa News inquiries, Michelle Faist, who is now Head of Corporate Affairs of the US-based StarKist Co., confirmed the dates of down time for production and return on Tuesday, Apr. 20th, saying that this break is for “planned maintenance work”

She noted that Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga has already declared next week Monday, Apr. 19th, a government holiday.

Faist was also asked if StarKist Samoa has been able to hire additional workers, since the cannery launched more than a week ago, a new advertising campaign to hire fish cleaners and special skilled workers. The advertisement also says that if the person’s Immigration ID has expired StarKist will work with the Immigration Office on this issue. (See Samoa News edition Apr. 7th for details.)

“We are slowly hiring more workers, but there continues to be openings that we are looking to fill,” said Faist yesterday afternoon. “StarKist Samoa is continuing to hire fish cleaners and skilled workers.”

“The joint efforts between ASG Government/ Immigration and StarKist to hire more workers is underway,” she said adding that if anyone has any questions please contact the StarKist HR Office.

The down-time in production comes at the same time as the 2021 Flag Day celebration which is set for this Friday, Apr. 16th at the Malaeoletalu in Fagatogo.

“Happy Flag Day American Samoa from StarKist Management and its employees,” said Faist.

The cannery workers, who spoke with Samoa News early this week said the break in production will give them a chance to enjoy Flag Day — the flag raising ceremony in Fagatogo on Friday, and then the International Farm Fair, which opens tomorrow and runs through Apr. 17th at the Veterans Memorial Stadium from 8a.m to 5p.m.

“This year highlights food security and showcasing and supporting local farmers to display locally grown produce and product,” Agriculture director Solialealofiotagaloa I.T. Mutini said in statement, inviting the public to the fair.

“it’s a four day event with fantastic and healthy food, live entertainment and agriculture appreciation,” he added.

(The BBQ planned after the Flag Raising ceremony on Friday has been changed — see notice elsewhere in today’s issue.