(Bergensavisen:) Leif Einar Lothe, better known as Lothepus, wants to buy Sabla Moro AS, the company behind the Sus & Dus festival in Odda, according to a press release.
Last week, BA reported that around 400 people had not received their wages after working at this year’s festival.
– I have made this offer so that everyone who worked for the festival can get their wages. I have set a deadline for today to sign my concrete offer. I bear no responsibility for the tragic situation the company has put its employees in, but I want to secure the festival’s future for the sake of Odda and the employees, says Leif Einar Lothe in the press release.
Settle the matter
Lothe has consistently been listed as the organizer on Sus & Dus’s website, and he showed up to call for people before this year’s festival this summer.
However, he is careful to point out that he has had no ownership in Sabla Moro, and his role has been to serve as a public figure to promote the festival.
– If Sabla Moro AS signs the offer, the employees will get their wages.
Good news
– This is absolutely great and something we appreciate, says Trine Grenness Mathisen to BA about Lothe’s offer.
She and her son Emil are among those who have not received their wages after working at the festival.
– This is well done by Lothepus, and good for maintaining his reputation and showing that he stands for something, says Grenness Mathisen.
Mathisen has previously told BA that she is uncertain whether she will receive wages from the festival at all. Information sent out by the current festival management indicated that they would receive their wages in October, which did not happen.
– This is an offer that Sabla Moro should accept, she says.
Gnawed
The fact that around 400 people have not been paid is an issue that has gnawed at him, Lothe explains.
He will not disclose how much he has offered to buy the festival for, but he says it is something he can afford.
We have asked the managing director of Sabla Moro, Pabben Botn, if they will accept Lothe’s offer. Botn has not responded to BA’s inquiries.
Interview with Leif Einar Lothe: Navigating Festival Challenges and Commitments to Fair Wages
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Leif Einar Lothe. Thank you for joining us today. You’ve made headlines recently with your offer to purchase Sabla Moro AS, the company behind the Sus & Dus festival. To start off, can you share what motivated you to step in during this challenging situation?
Leif Einar Lothe: Thank you for having me. The situation surrounding the Sus & Dus festival deeply concerned me. When I learned that around 400 employees had not received their wages, it was a distressing reality. My primary motivation was to ensure that those who dedicated their time and effort to this event are compensated fairly. I want to secure not just the festival’s future but also the livelihoods of those involved.
Editor: That’s a noble initiative, especially in a landscape where artists and workers often struggle to receive fair payment. Can you elaborate on what your plan entails, should your acquisition go through?
Leif Einar Lothe: Absolutely. If my offer is accepted, my goal is to stabilize the company and create a sustainable business model that can prevent similar issues in the future. This includes ensuring timely payments to staff and fostering a transparent relationship with all festival workers. Festivals are vital for local communities like Odda, and I believe they deserve a solid foundation.
Editor: You mentioned setting a deadline for your offer. Why was it important for you to have that urgency in the process?
Leif Einar Lothe: Time is of the essence when it comes to resolving issues like this. The longer the uncertainty drags on, the more stress it adds for those waiting for their wages. I wanted to act swiftly to demonstrate my commitment to the cause, and it was crucial to create a timeframe for the other party to respond. It’s important we settle this matter as soon as possible, not only for the employees but also for the festival’s integrity.
Editor: It sounds like you have a strong vision for the future of the festival. How do you see the Sus & Dus festival evolving under your potential ownership?
Leif Einar Lothe: I envision the Sus & Dus festival as an inclusive event that brings together diverse artists and audiences. We need to innovate while honoring the festival’s roots in Odda. By ensuring fair wages and sustainable operations, I hope to cultivate an environment where creativity flourishes and everyone involved feels valued.
Editor: That’s inspiring. The festival, and your role, is certainly pivotal to Odda. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you want to convey to the team that worked at the festival and the general public regarding this situation?
Leif Einar Lothe: I want to emphasize that I bear no responsibility for the current situation; however, I am committed to making things right. I urge everyone who has been affected to know that I am here to help. Their hard work should not go unnoticed, and together, I believe we can turn this situation around for the better.
Editor: Thank you, Leif, for sharing your insights and dedication to the community. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds and hope for a positive resolution for everyone involved.
Leif Einar Lothe: Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity to speak about this important matter.