Paid to leave working for American Samoa utility

The American Samoa Power Authority, or ASPA, is expected to save about half a million dollars a year by offering an early retirement package to some workers.

The authority's chief executive officer Utu Abe Malae says a total of 70 employees have accepted early retirement and they will get a severance payment of up to $25,000 US dollars.

The utility is taking the action to reverse its poor cash flow position.