29 Oct 2003

US company reportedly considering wirthdrawing from Fiji

11:18 am on 29 October 2003

The American company, Bumble Bee Seafoods, is reported to be considering pulling out of its partnership agreement with Fiji's state-owned tuna cannery.

The Fiji Sun quotes the Pacific Fishing Company's chief executive, Mitieli Baleivanualala, as saying this is the direct result of the recent costly strike by their unionised employees.

He says if Bumble Bee Seafoods withdraws, it could mean the closure of the cannery and a drastic effect on its workers and the economy of Levuka town.

Bumble Bee has been arranging foreign markets for the cannery's products and Mr Baleivaualala says they cannot afford to lose the partnership.