Former National Fish & Seafood employees – impacted by the company’s abrupt closing on 10 May – need additional help, according to the City of Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Around 180 employees have been affected by NFS ceasing operations, including more than 50 permanent, full-time employees with the remaining being primarily contract workers, Gloucester Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken said in a press release.
A skeleton crew is working at NFS to address customer orders, concerns, and assist with operational transition.
“I’m disappointed by how National Fish & Seafood has handled the situation,” Romeo Theken said. “The City of Gloucester is committed to helping those individuals impacted as soon as possible. We’ve mobilized resources and are planning an employee outreach meeting later this week and a job fair early next week for those displaced employees.”
However, several interested employers have reached out with job opportunities, according to the city.
“We continue to assemble that information and ask if any local employers have job opportunities and would like to be connected with the displaced National Fish & Seafood employees, [they contact the city], Romeo Thakin said.
On 13 May, Romeo Theken met with State Senator Bruce Tarr, as well as a representative from U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton’s Office, the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, the Massachusetts Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s MassHire Rapid Response Team, Wellspring, Action, Inc., and local industry leaders to discuss options on how to best help those affected by the closure, including customers.
“The city estimates this closure has a ripple effect and that significantly more than just the employees have been impacted. The city will continue discussions and identify ways to help all involved,” the City of Gloucester said in the press release.
An employee outreach meeting is scheduled for 17 May in the Kyrouz Auditorium at Gloucester City Hall from 10 a.m. through noon.
“That outreach meeting will have information and resources available to help navigate this sudden and unexpected situation,” the city said.
The employee outreach meeting will provide Rapid Response services, which includes information and assistance on unemployment insurance, workshops that prepare employees for new jobs, resume assistance, connections and referrals to MassHire Career Centers. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to obtain information or meet with representatives from the Open Door Pantry, the Salvation Army, Action, Inc. and Wellspring. Information regarding SNAP, housing assistance, fuel assistance, and health insurance will also be available.
The City of Gloucester is also working to plan a job fair, tentatively planned for 21 May.
