As protests continue in St. John’s, unions show their support for fish harvesters
The ongoing protests in St. John’s, Newfoundland have gained the attention and support of various unions, who are standing in solidarity with the fish harvesters. The protests, which began on September 9th, have been organized by the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) union, in response to the federal government’s decision to cut the northern shrimp quota by 63%.
The FFAW, along with other unions such as the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL), have joined forces to show their support for the fish harvesters who are facing significant economic challenges due to the quota reduction. The unions have also expressed their disappointment with the lack of consultation and communication from the federal government regarding the decision.
The FFAW has been vocal about the impact of the quota cut on the livelihoods of fish harvesters, stating that it will result in a loss of approximately $40 million in income for the industry. This will not only affect the fish harvesters, but also the communities that rely on the fishing industry for their economic stability.
In a statement, FFAW President Keith Sullivan emphasized the importance of standing together in times of crisis, stating, “We are all in this together and we must stand together to protect our communities and our way of life.” He also called on the federal government to take immediate action to address the concerns of the fish harvesters and work towards finding a solution that is fair and sustainable for all parties involved.
The protests have also gained support from other organizations, such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Harvesting Safety Association, who have expressed their solidarity with the fish harvesters and their concerns about the impact of the quota cut on safety and sustainability in the industry.
The unions have also raised concerns about the lack of consultation with Indigenous communities, who have a significant presence in the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. The FFAW has called for the federal government to engage in meaningful consultation with Indigenous groups and to consider their perspectives in any decisions regarding the fishing industry.
The protests have been ongoing for over a week, with fish harvesters and their supporters gathering outside the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) building in St. John’s. The unions have also organized a rally and march to the DFO building, which saw hundreds of people come together to show their support for the fish harvesters.
As the protests continue, the unions have made it clear that they will stand with the fish harvesters until a fair and sustainable solution is reached. They have also called on the federal government to take immediate action and address the concerns of the industry, as well as engage in meaningful consultation with all stakeholders.
In a time of uncertainty and economic hardship, the support of unions and other organizations is crucial for the fish harvesters in St. John’s. As the protests continue, it is clear that the unions will continue to stand in solidarity with the fish harvesters and fight for their rights and livelihoods.
