PAFCO dismisses closure fears, workers assured

The Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) has assured workers their jobs are safe despite the departure of long-time partner Bumble Bee Seafoods, announcing it has secured a new agreement with one of Spain's largest tuna exporters to keep the cannery operating.

Responding to growing concerns over the future of the Levuka-based fish processing plant, PAFCO management representative Ashok Kumar said Bumble Bee would finish processing this week, but the company's operations would continue under a new partnership.

"There is a lot of misconception going around lately.

"So, I think this is a good opportunity to clear things once and for all.

"There was some news going around that Bumble Bee was leaving PAFCO – that is true, yes they are leaving.

"This is the last week of processing."

Mr Kumar said PAFCO had already secured a replacement partner.

"Having said that, PAFCO has joined hands with one of the largest suppliers from Spain, they are one of the largest tuna exporters in Spain which we have signed an agreement with.

"So there is no need for people to worry about their jobs and the future operations of the company.

"The work will continue and PAFCO will go on in terms of doing business."

He acknowledged the tuna industry continued to face global challenges.

"The global trend is tuna stocks are declining because if the lack of vessels going out due to high fuel costs.

"People are still employed and they will continue to be employed."

Mr Kumar made the comments during the Fijian Media Association town hall meeting in Levuka on Wednesday night.

His reassurance follows months of concern among Ovalau residents about the future of the Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO), one of the island's largest employers.

The issue was raised at the Lomaiviti Provincial Council meeting in May, where Losio Waqa said residents were worried by reports that production had slowed and that some workers had been told to stay home because of reduced fish supplies.

He also raised concerns that Bumble Bee Seafoods was due to end its operations at the processing facility in June.

Mr Kumar said the new partnership would ensure PAFCO remained in business and that employees would continue to have work.