Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he will be meeting this week in San Diego with U.S. tuna boat owners, the South Pacific Tuna Corporation, Bumble Bee, and Chicken of the Sea to discuss important issues affecting the industry including minimum wage, 30A tax credits, and pending legislation to treat all U.S. tuna boat owners the same.

After meeting with industry leaders in San Diego, the Congressman will fly into American Samoa on Sunday night, December 7, with Chairman Kim of Dongwon who will be making a site visit of his newly purchased StarKist operations in Pago Pago.  The Congressman called Governor Togiola on Sunday Nov 30 but was unable to reach him but informed the Governor by email of his and Chairman Kim’s anticipated arrival in the Territory.

“Governor Togiola and I are fully committed to working together to do everything we can to protect the jobs of our workers, and we are hopeful that under new ownership StarKist will become a better corporate citizen that is more appreciative of the sacrifices our people have made in making the brand a success,” Faleomavaega said.  “While we cannot know at this time what may transpire in the future, I believe it is a positive step that Chairman Kim is coming to American Samoa to review the current situation now facing our employees.”

“At the local and federal levels, the Governor and I have assured Chairman Kim that we are prepared to do our part to make sure StarKist has the support it needs to continue its operations in American Samoa.  In turn, we expect StarKist to do its part by doing right by our workers.  As this matter progresses and discussions take place, we will keep our people updated about where the Territory now stands with the U.S. tuna fishing and processing industries,” Faleomavaega concluded.