Blumar sheds 200 jobs because of production drop
Chilean salmon producer Blumar has confirmed 200 job losses at its Talcahuano salmon plant because of a significant drop in production during 2019.
Blumar expects to harvest 37,500 tonnes of salmon during the rest of the year, compared to 55,000 tonnes last year.
Those losing their jobs include filleting, detaching, packing and cleaning staff.
One shift
In a press release, Blumar said the decision had already been communicated to workers in an extended meeting, adding: “The Talcahuano salmon plant will continue to operate with one shift until it returns to harvest levels that had been developing in previous periods, which is estimated to occur by the end of 2019.”
The company said it will carry out a variety of support actions for those made redundant, “among which is the offer of courses in electricity trades, plumbing, guards and others, focused especially for women, in addition to the implementation of an office of guidance to provide advice on social benefits”.
Once harvest levels have been restored - Blumar anticipates harvesting 65,300 tonnes by 2020 - the company expects to reincorporate “a significant percentage” of the workers.
