Panel Review Recommendations Step in Right Direction for Inshore Fishery

October 14, 2022, ST. JOHN’S, NL – Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released the independent report reviewing sections 19.1 to 19.14 of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act.  The report from independent reviewer, David Conway, outlines a number of recommendations aimed at modernizing parts of the collective bargaining model for the benefit of the inshore fishery. FFAW-Unifor has been an outspoken advocate for improvements to the collective bargaining process for fish harvesters and is optimistic that the recommendations in the report are an important step in improving both labour relations and the price setting process.

As the Union representing all professional fish harvesters in the province, FFAW-Unifor had the opportunity to meet with Minister Derek Bragg and Minister Bernard Davis over the last few days to highlight our members’ concerns and provide important feedback regarding this process on behalf of our membership. The Union will continue to work closely with these Ministers and their respective departments over the coming days, weeks and months to ensure the appropriate legislative changes are made.

“FFAW-Unifor is pleased to see increased engagement from the provincial government on addressing key challenges in the inshore fishery. We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Conway for the effort that went into this report, and recognize that there is still significant work to be done between now and the start of the 2023 fishery. The next step will be finding a way to turn these recommendations into reality, and we look forward to working closely with the provincial government to ensure that happens,” says FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan.

In the FFAW’s submission to the review, the Union highlighted the need for improved transparency during the negotiations process, as well various other recommendations to strengthen the current panel system.

“Increasing corporate control and a lack of competition in the industry continues to threaten the owner-operator, inshore fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Ensuring ASP and their members commit to meaningful negotiations during the collective bargaining process will be paramount to the industry’s future success,” concludes Sullivan.

For media inquiries:

Courtney Glode (she/her)

FFAW-Unifor Communications

[email protected]

709-743-4445