The new fish factory in Tasiilaq created great expectations for more local jobs. But to ensure operations during the cod season, Royal Greenland gets help from northern jobbers. The fishermen understand the decision. Last year, staff shortages meant they were occasionally unable to purchase their catch in their town.
The chairman of KNAPK’s local branch in Tasiilaq, Jonathan Ignatiussen, says that last year during the cod season he was sometimes unable to deliver his catch to the city’s procurement point.
– It happened on the weekends, maybe not every weekend, says Jonathan Ignatiussen.
According to him, the fishermen were told that the reason was a lack of staff. At the same time, he points out that he is not the only one who has experienced problems shopping in Tasiilaq because the shopping center has been closed. Other members have also had the same experience.
Nordjobbere must strengthen staffing
Jonathan Ignatiussen says that he was informed at a meeting with Royal Greenland that there are plans to bring in labor from outside for the procurement site in Tasiilaq.
These are four young people from the Nordic countries – so-called northern jobbers, who are in Tasiilaq to work for a shorter period.
– Royal Greenland continuously recruits locally for all our factories. However, there may be a need to supplement with labor from outside. Again, to ensure that our factories can receive and process catch that is landed in the area. This also applies in Tasiilaq, writes operations manager at Royal Greenland, Sten Sørensen, in a written reply.
Although the factory is new, according to Sten Sørensen, it has a stable group of local employees. But when the cod season starts in late July or early August, outside labor is needed.
– When activity increases – as it will with the cod season before long – more hands will naturally be needed. In the end, it is about ensuring that as many fishermen as possible can purchase for the factory and thus help create activity and value locally in Tasiilaq, writes Sten Sørensen.
Looking forward to fewer trips to Kuummiit
There were 201 registered jobseekers in Tasiilaq in April. Sermitsiaq asked Royal Greenland why it is necessary to bring in labor from outside in a city with such high unemployment, but the company referred to its previous answers.
However, Jonathan Ignatiussen welcomes the visiting employees.
– We have nothing against it. If it is necessary to keep the plant open and ensure that procurement continues, he says.
When the fishermen cannot trade in Tasiilaq, they have to go to Kuummiit instead. With a full load, the trip can take around two hours and means both extra fuel and lost time.
Therefore, he hopes that the procurement point in Tasiilaq will not have to close again during periods when the cod arrive. He has also been informed by Royal Greenland that in future the crew will be organized in two teams instead of one.
