The main goal of the Salmon Network project is to generate and manage information on workers and ex-workers. (Photo: SalmonChile/Stock File)

SalmonChile offers job services to axed workers

CHILE
Tuesday, April 28, 2009, 00:50 (GMT + 9)

The Chilean Salmon Industry Association AG (SalmonChile) officially unveiled the Salmon Network, an initiative designed to help salmon farming industry workers who are losing their jobs.

Under the initiative, SalmonChile will set up information bureaus in the next few days, and assist workers dismissed by salmon firms. Offices will operate in the cities of Port Montt, Castro and Aysen.

In each office, the laid-off workers will be assigned to social workers and psychologists who specialise in labour, who will guide them in the job search process and provide information on available benefits and social subsidies, in addition to training opportunities, among other matters.

"The Salmon Network aims to generate and administer information for industry workers and ex-workers, orienting them in the search for new employment opportunities, available training for future labour conversion, and benefits and social subsidies granted by the government," SalmonChile noted in an official press release.

According to the president of the organisation, Cesar Barros, since December, measures have been carried out to tackle and resolve the grave situation the sector is struggling with.

"The committee led by Carlos Vial has met with all the associated companies, workers federations, and national and regional authorities to find the best mechanism for solution to the inevitable dismissals that are being generated. Through this initiative, we want to accompany the dismissed workers during these difficult times," Barros explained.

Laid off workers will have access to resume service, instructive talks for specific activities that must be undertaken post-layoff, and free Internet access.

They will also be able to register in governmental, employability and family budget seminars, among other important initiatives for their labour and social development.

"In addition, a report system will be created for companies, municipalities and the government, that will feature information such as the state of monthly allowances, rehirings, and a social profile with a registry of the abilities and interests of each worker," SalmonChile indicated.

On the other hand, Carlos Odebret, representative of SalmonChile in the X Region, and one of the proponents of the Labour Committee of the union, stressed that this major initiative "demonstrates the industry’s commitment to its workers in the days of crisis."

"It has taken months of arduous work in assessing the options available, and we are sure that through the Salmon Network we will help workers diminish the impact of what it means to be unemployed," he concluded.

Senator Antonio Horvath, president of the Senate's Fisheries Commission, has proposed an alternative outlook on tackling the Chilean salmon farming industry crisis, in view of the fact that "the government-proposed job creation plans last only a couple of months and generally fail to generate new productive activities."

The Chilean government will allocate more than USD 8 million to launch a programme that will soften the impact of layoffs in the salmon farming industry.

The sharp rise in unemployment is a direct consequence of the crisis caused by the ongoing industry struggle with infectious salmon anaemia (ISA).

Related articles:

- Salmon crisis: senators vie for viable job plans
- USD 8 mln to be funnelled into salmon industry

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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