The President of the Government assured today that the Government has followed "very closely and very carefully" the situation of the COFACO workers on the island of Pico, but warned that the company must adopt a position of total transparency and clarification during this process.
 
"Firstly, as it is known, the Regional Government has been following this matter from the very beginning in order to clarify workers about the contours of this investment, the project under analysis and about all matter that are relevant to this situation," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
Speaking to journalists, the President of the Government stressed that this effort is not sole responsibility of the Regional Government. According to him, "it would be a very bad sign if company officials failed to adopt a position of full transparency and clarification on this matter because it is up to the company to clarify certain matters."
 
"It would not be detrimental for the company, if there was a reinforcement of their position in terms of information and clarification on this matter," said the President of the Government.
 
Vasco Cordeiro pointed out that the Azorean Government has shown, from the very beginning, the concern with the income of the workers that were affected by the cannery's decision. The company did not go bankrupt as its operation was only halted due to the construction of a new plant on the island and, once built, it will hire workers.
 
"I understand that this does not diminish the anxiety of those who see themselves in this situation, but, as for the priority of safeguarding income, workers will be entitled to their severance payment and to unemployment benefits. We are currently taking care of this situation," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
According to the President of the Government, the implementation of the investment is another matter that adds up to the issue of workers' income. It has awarded priority status to the analysis of the project as soon as possible so that the works may start and, afterwards, begin the process to hire workers once again on Pico Island.
 
Except for a force majeure event, it would be incomprehensible if the hiring process of workers for the new factory did not cover the workers affect by the decision taken by the company, said Vasco Cordeiro.