StarKist Samoa started a second shift this week , but on a trial basis only.
Citing a manpower shortage the cannery reduced production to one shift only in early June and has been operating with one shift only since them.
Responding to KHJ News questions, StarKist Vice President and spokeswoman Michelle Faist said the cannery continues to experience a “significant labor shortage that is impacting the plant’s ability to operate at full capacity.”
She said A second shift ran this week, but on a trial basis. 
To address the labor shortage the cannery has hired more than 300 workers from Samoa under the guest worker program, and is continuing to hire more.
Faist extended StarKist’s thanks to the Governor, Lt. Governor and ASG for their support “as we work together to address the headcount issues.”
“We would also like to thank the Fono Leaders for their support of StarKist during this challenging time,” she added.
StarKist is shutting down tomorrow and Friday for Thanksgiving.
For the Christmas and New Year holidays the cannery has its usual two week closure. The last day of production for the year is December 17th.
