American Samoa-based StarKist Samoa has distributed tuna to more than 1500 employees who will be without work for the next five weeks.
StarKist Samoa workers Photo: supplied
From this weekend until November 26 the Satala Fish processing plant will be closed for installation of equipment and upgrades intended to make it environmentally sound and efficient.
Each employee has been given four cases of canned tuna and pouches.
KHJ News reports some employees sold their fish to stores.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata has asked the Department of Justice to consider using part of the $6.3 million fine of StarKist, for violations of waste discharge from the cannery into Pago Pago harbour, to assist workers who will be missing out on pay during the shutdown.
Meanwhile a community initiative, Love Thy Neighbour food drive, in aid of StarKist families is gaining strong support from businesses and schools across the territory.
