StarKist Samoa general manager Brett Butler told lawmakers in the U.S. territory on Thursday that the first phase of layoffs would affect 380 workers on Saturday.
Butler testified before the House Commerce Committee, which called the hearing to learn about the status of the planned layoffs.
The Pittsburgh-based company announced in May that it would reduce its work force at the cannery by the end of the year.
StarKist has had to contend with federally mandated minimum wage increases. Butler said other costs are also rising in such areas as utilities and transportation.
Meanwhile, a major United States communications company is negotiating with the Samoan government to establish that country’s first call center.
The company is negotiating to establish a 400-seat call center in the Samoan capital, Apia.
Talks have been underway for more than a year and were instrumental in the Samoan government’s decision to provide financial backing for a fiber optic communications link for the country.
Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister Misa Telefoni Retzlaff said he hopes the project will become a catalyst for a new high-tech sector that will provide jobs and skills for Samoans.
Telefoni said at this stage of negotiations he is not prepared to name the company but he said it is offering to pay well above minimum wages and to work with the Samoan government to improve computer literacy.
