StarKist Samoa general manager Brett Butler suggested during testimony before the House in April the formation of an ASG-StarKist task force to work on finding ways to further improve the company’s sustainability in these difficult economic times as well as remain competitive in the tuna industry, which in turn will also help American Samoa.
During yesterday’s House session Satele asked House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale if the Fono leadership is working on a task force with ASG based on StarKist’s request.
“Are we going to form a task force to help address the needs of StarKist before they start laying off †Satele said other reports indicate that contact has been made between StarKist and the neighboring Samoa government for discussions.
However, the governor is reported to have met other cannery officials off-island while StarKist has yet to have a chance to meet with the governor, he said.
The governor has said publicly on his radio program that unless the company responds to a number of questions, he won’t meet with them. One of those questions is whether or not the company has taken all necessary actions to cut down on costs— such as reducing the high salaries and bonuses of its ranking officials.
