Leif Einar “Lothepus” Lothe informs that he offers to buy the festival solely to ensure that the 400 employees receive their salaries.
– I have made this offer so that everyone who worked for the festival will get their wages. I have set a deadline for today to sign my specific offer. I have no responsibility for the tragic situation that the company has placed the employees in, but I want to secure the festival’s future for Odda‘s and the employees’ sake, says Leif Einar Lothe.
In recent weeks, Hardanger Folkeblad has reported on the situation where several of those who worked during this year’s festival in Odda have not been paid for the jobs they did.
– If Sabla Moro AS signs the offer, the employees will get their wages, says Lothepus.
Hardanger Folkeblad sent a series of questions to the management at Sabla Moro AS last week but has so far not received answers to the questions posed.
After Lothepus made his acquisition offer for the festival company public, HF has again asked how CEO Pabben Botn feels about this, but has not yet received a response.
The press release that was sent out on behalf of Lothe came from the company Maverix, which among other things produces the TV2 series Camp Lothepus, which premieres on Monday.
According to HF’s understanding, Lothe will personally step in as the owner of the company if that happens and try to carry out the Sus & Dus festival as planned next year. He envisions a restructuring so that the company primarily only organizes one festival, namely in Odda.
– I am only interested in getting the debts repaid to those who have been working hard during the festival and at the same time getting something done in Odda, says Lothe, referring to the festival that is still planned for August 7-10 next year.
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What are the key steps Leif Einar Lothe is taking to ensure the future success of the Sus & Dus festival in Odda?
Interview: Addressing the Future of the Music Festival in Odda with Leif Einar “Lothepus” Lothe
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Leif Einar Lothe! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent offer to buy the festival company, Sabla Moro AS. It seems like a bold move aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of many employees. Could you tell us what prompted you to make this offer?
Lothepus: Thank you for having me! The main reason for my offer is the concern for the 400 employees who have worked tirelessly for the festival but have not yet been paid. It’s heartbreaking to see them in this situation, and I want to ensure they receive their wages. It’s the least I can do.
Editor: That’s commendable of you. It seems that the public outcry about unpaid wages has been quite significant. What responsibilities do you think the festival’s management has in this situation?
Lothepus: Absolutely, there’s a clear response needed from the management. While I don’t hold responsibility for the current tragic circumstances, the company must address the wages owed to the employees. My offer is a way to take decisive action and secure a future for both the festival and its workers.
Editor: You mentioned a deadline for your offer. Can you elaborate on what your vision is for the festival if your offer is accepted?
Lothepus: If Sabla Moro AS signs my offer, I will personally take over ownership and ensure that the festival stays on track for next year, scheduled for August 7-10. My vision is to restructure the festival so that we can efficiently organize it in Odda, focusing on quality and sustainability.
Editor: Restructuring sounds like a significant undertaking. How do you plan to address the existing debts and ensure that such a situation doesn’t arise again in the future?
Lothepus: My priority is to repay the debts to those employees who have worked hard during the festival. I believe a streamlined focus on organizing just one festival will help avoid the pitfalls of managing multiple events. This way, we can allocate resources more effectively and ensure that all involved are taken care of.
Editor: It’s reassuring to hear your commitment to the employees. Have you had any communication with the current management, particularly with CEO Pabben Botn, regarding your offer?
Lothepus: Unfortunately, I have not received any responses from them despite the inquiries made. However, my primary concern is the welfare of the employees, and I hope that the management realizes the urgency of this situation.
Editor: It’s a critical time indeed. This festival, as I understand, holds a special place in the Odda community. Can you share any insights into the cultural significance of the Sus & Dus festival?
Lothepus: The Sus & Dus festival is vital for Odda, not just as an entertainment event but as a cultural gathering that promotes local talent and brings the community together. It has the potential to boost the local economy and pride, and I want to make sure it continues for years to come.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Leif. As we wrap up, what message do you have for the employees and festival-goers who are anxious about the future?
Lothepus: I want to assure everyone that I am fully committed to making sure the festival not only survives but thrives. Employees will get their wages, and together, we will work to restore the festival to its rightful place in our community. Your support means everything!
Editor: Thank you so much for your time and insights, Leif. We look forward to seeing how this situation unfolds.
Lothepus: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a bright future ahead for everyone involved.