Training and readjustment would be difficult from the standpoint 

 of both the fishermen and prospective employers. Also, many fisher- 

 men own homes in the harbor area, v<hile major expanding industries 

 are at distant points in the I>os Angeles area, with public trans- 

 portation facilities lamitedo Even if these fishermen could find 

 work in other industries, their earnings would doubtless be sig- 

 nificantly below what they could make fishing. 



Cainnery workers are predominantly women, but similar language, 

 age, and other barriers exist. Very little related work is avail- 

 able. Most canneries have a fixed labor force, not readily adapt- 

 able to other jobs. No other food processing and packing plants 

 are located nearby. 



San Diego Area 



In December 1952, around 800 workers were engaged in fishing, 

 and 700 in fish canning. This industry is highly seasonal however, 

 and December is normally a low month. In July and August, about 

 2,500 workers enter the area during albacore runs. 



The current situation is not markedly different than in Dec- 

 ember 1951. Fishing employment was slightly lo'/ver, but cannery 

 employment was twice as great. By mid-January, however, canning 

 eraployraent was below the level one year earlier, with most can- 

 neries on a stand-by basis awaiting return of tuna boats. 



Fishermen in this area, as in Lqs Angeles, could not be 

 readily absorbed into other lines. Most are over 35 years of age, 

 with skills and experience not easily adapted to other jobs. Some 

 could be used in shipyards for repair work, and many do find such 

 work during layoffs. A few fishermen have given up their trade, 

 despite the high monetary returns, to remain in shipyard work. 

 Shipyards still complain about loss of workers when fishing picks 

 up, however. A few fishermen have also been going into small 

 businesses of their own. However, it is the concensus of c pinion, 

 both management and labor, that if large numbers were to become 

 unemployed the majority would I'emain so until their unemployment 

 benefits expired and probably would eventually leave for other 

 fishing areas. Age, monetary considerations, language barriers 

 and lack of necessary skills, along with lack of citizenship, make 

 it doubtful if many would desire or oould obtain jobs in the ex- 

 panding defense plants of the San Diego area» 



362 



