Faced with serious economic conditions in the fishery industry, the American Samoa Shipyard Services Authority says five shipyard workers have been laid off as its financial situation deteriorates.
The board chairman David Robinson says advance lay off notices were provided to the retrenched workers, as well as a face-to-face meeting to explain the situation at the shipyard.
He says the territory is faced with serious, difficult economic conditions in the fishery industry, which is affecting shipyard activities, and he has informed the governor's office of the situation.
Prior to making the decision, he says the shipyard board carried out a very careful assessment of all staff levels in each department.
Mr Robinson says the shipyard now has 33 staff and it's unclear whether there will be more lay offs.
