The government made its position clear. It believes in the long term sustainability of the salmon industry, and insists that this is only possible if the players in the industry are willing to risk their own capital now, and demonstrate immediate improvement with respect to the environment and protection for their workers. Yesterday leaders of the Regional Government of the Lakes (Region X – Los Lagos) defined a series of measures to implement for the support of unemployed workers, unpaid suppliers and service providers, besides the financial support provided on behalf of the government (see 02.12.08, Mixed opinions over government support for salmon). According to Aqua.cl the unemployment assistance the Regional government leaders proposed are as follows:Facilitate training programs for unemployed workers during the first three months of 2009; administrate all employee layoffs through the Direction of Labour for more expedite severance pay; upon reactivation of the industry, commit employers to give contract privilege to the same workers prior to layoffs; increase public efforts to provide opportunity for small business development; for unemployed workers in Chiloé provide training in public works and construction and activate the long awaited Transportation Plan for Chiloé (a series of new maritime transport improvements for the archipelago); and reprogram mortgages or freeze mortgage payments while workers are unemployed.
