Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that Samoa Packing has responded to his request for updates regarding workers’ benefits and has thanked Faleomavaega for helping to get this news out to the people.

In a statement dated June 17, 2009, Samoa Packing has announced that “it is in the process of preparing individual Pension Benefit Statements for all vested Samoa Packing employees for distribution in August 2009.  The Pension Benefit Statements will define respective pension benefits and include the schedule of payments calculated on years of service and earnings in compliance with COS Samoa Packing’s Pension program.”

“Additionally, Retention/Severance payments will also be distributed to COS Samoa Packing employees based on years of service at cessation of plant operations.”

“To reiterate, COS Samoa Packing wishes to assure its employees, that the distribution of Pension Benefit Payments and Retention/Severance Payments will take place as soon as administratively possible after employment separation now scheduled for September 2009.  All employees have been informed and given written notice in Samoan and English of this information.”

“Any questions regarding employee benefits should be directed to Alfonso Pete Galea’i, Plant Human Resources Manager at (684) 644-5272, ext.  321 or 344.”

“I thank Samoa Packing for responding to my request on behalf of our workers, and I appreciate that the company will pay our workers their benefits in accordance with the procedures as outlined above.  If our workers have any further questions or concerns, they may also contact my office.  My office will continue to work closely with Samoa Packing to make sure the interests of our workers are protected as we move forward,” Faleomavaega concluded.