This statue has been erected in gratitude for the work that Jens Steffensen and many others with him did to improve the social and economic living conditions of fishermen and coastal populations.
Jens Olai Steffensen (23 March 1891 ? 17 October 1961) was a Norwegian fisherman and politician for the Labour Party, born and raised in Bø in Vesterålen. He was elected to the Storting from Nordland in 1934 and served as a representative for five terms until 1957, with a total seniority of 24 years.
As a member of the Storting from 1934 to 1957, Steffensen was one of the most important voices for the coastal population and the fishing industry, especially in Northern Norway.
He worked for better social and economic conditions for fishermen and the strengthening of fishermen’s rights.
As chairman of the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association (1937-1941, 1945-1951), he played a key role in building up what became a powerful interest organization for fishermen.
He was central to the work to pass the Raw Fish Act in 1938. The Raw Fish Act and the organisation of the sales teams ensured the fishermen a decent and predictable price when delivering catches.
As chairman of the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association (1951-1961), he played a crucial role in the development of rules for the sale of fish between fisherman and buyer.
The statue of Jens Steffensen in Svolvær should be seen as a monument to the fishermen’s struggle for freedom and a memory of a demanding and eventful time for the people of the coast.
Erected by the fishermen in Northern Norway through the Nordland County Fishermen’s Association and the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association.