For the third consecutive year, nine representatives of Blumar Seafoods unions met in Concepción, whose presidents represent almost one thousand workers from the company’s Fishing and Salmon areas. It was a long dinner, lasting more than four hours, where they had the opportunity to converse and analyze various aspects of the industry, in an exercise of open dialogue and trust, together with the company’s directors, Rodrigo Sarquis and Pablo Santa Cruz, as well as the general manager, Gerardo Balbontín and the human resources manager, Raúl Hermosilla.

“It was a very powerful meeting, especially because of the country situation we are experiencing,” expressed Gerardo Balbontín, who highlighted that the meeting with union leaders is a good practice that has been ongoing for some time and has made it possible to detect and resolve differences in time and propose improvement opportunities in aspects that are very important for workers and for the company.

At Blumar, since 2012, anonymous biennial workplace climate surveys have been conducted, yielding important information that has made it possible to design a strategy to address issues that employees feel are necessary. For the Human Resources Manager, Raúl Hermosilla, “this way of working has allowed us to generate the necessary trust and thus understand and advance in resolving the needs of everyone,” he commented.

“A context of great trust has been generated that fills us with pride, where different points of view are expressed openly and frankly. It has been continuous work to create the appropriate spaces so that workers’ representatives can express their viewpoints, concerns and opportunities for improvement directly to the company’s board,” expressed the general manager, Gerardo Balbontín, who added that during the meeting the conclusion regarding the contingency was that there is empathy for the problems raised by citizens, however, there is a sense of concern about the acts of violence that have been generated.

He noted that he is aware that there is much to be solved and that what has occurred “is a tremendous warning for the political class and for the business organizations, it is a wake-up call to see how we approach a new perspective based on collaborative resolution of country issues,” he highlighted.

This has been a difficult year for the fishing world, due to uncertainty in the legislative changes being discussed in congress, which generate great concern. In the salmon sector for Blumar, it has also been a complex year, due to health problems recorded in some of the centers. “Despite everything, we have a positive message, because we will soon begin salmon harvests in Magallanes, which has us very excited. Additionally, a 15% increase in jack mackerel quota for the coming year was announced, which shows a recovery of this important fishing resource,” highlighted the executive, who strengthened his message with a signal of calm for his workers and the commitment to continue contributing to the country’s development as they have been doing for many years.

Trust in Dialogue

For the president of the Blumar Salmon Union, Paola Sanhueza, the meeting was a good encounter, as concerns were raised, valuing the company’s ongoing dialogue with workers. “We call on everyone to care for and value what we have achieved during our time working with the company, that is our commitment as union leaders.” Additionally, she expressed her concern about the lack of raw material (salmon) that affects them in Talcahuano. “We were returning to normal when social demands emerged, which we share, however, we are concerned about the way they are being pursued, we ask for respect for our work and to not lose the communication channels…that is the greatest capital we have and that we must protect,” she indicated.

Meanwhile, the president of the Blumar Seine Crew Union, Hugo Roa, celebrated the meeting. “It has been a very productive instance, especially because of the contingency. We have a signal of calm for our workers, as it has been a difficult year for the industry and conversing in trust gives us peace of mind.”

The president of the Blumar Unloading Crew Union, Luis Camus, has participated in all three official meetings and indicates that the most important thing is proximity with the company’s owners. “We felt the human warmth…the feeling of being heard in our demands…we have learned to converse, to know that answers do not come in a single day, that we must give space for things to flow.”

As Treasurer of the Blumar Motorists Union, Fernando Merino, believed this was a pleasant meeting. “We felt welcomed and everyone had the necessary time to express ourselves. There was excellent willingness from everyone to listen to us and think about a good future.”

The delegate of the Blumar Pilots Union, Leopoldo López, commented that regarding the social crisis the country is experiencing, this type of meeting should be an example. “We have proven that calmly it is possible to converse and create solution instances. There is no need to wait for problems to grow to resolve them.”

The president of the Blumar Culture Center Union, David Iturra, represents 173 employees and as a first-time participant came away with more than a positive evaluation. “We had this commitment for a good while and I am happy to have participated because proximity with the company’s management is something to be grateful for, especially when we must think about negotiations, which fortunately have always reached a good outcome. This is a positive signal, and very timely given what we are experiencing as a country.”

Finally, the president of the Blumar Flour S-V Union, Cristian Merino, said this was his first time participating in this type of meeting and that he was pleasantly surprised. “It was very pleasant and a good opportunity for us to communicate and contribute to a respectful dialogue, where we can discuss all the issues that concern us.”