Labour Relations Board denies FISH-NL harvester vote request

FISH-NL president Ryan Cleary is accusing the province’s Labour Relations Board (LRB) of purposely delaying the group’s application for union certification.

['FISH-NL reached its GoFundMe goal to raise $16,000 after five days this afternoon. Fish-NL president Ryan Cleary said the breakaway group continues to receive support from around the province.']

In a Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador release issued on Friday, Cleary says the would-be union is “disappointed” with the board’s decision to deny a request to allow inshore harvesters vote for the union they wish to represent their interests.

“What’s more, provincial legislation blocks harvesters from taking part in free enterprise that outside fish buyers aren’t allowed in,” Cleary wrote.

“Where else in the democratic world would this be permitted? Harvesters are the most controlled labour group in the province, country, and western world.”

In a response to FISH-NL, board CEO Glenn Branton indicated that the investigation into the application is ongoing and suggested that all parties continue to support it. The investigation began Dec. 30, 2016.

Cleary suggests that is a challenge because of the quota cuts, limited buyers, and because the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union has “lost its way.”

He went on to say that FFAW-Unifor collects more money from the federal and provincial government, and from oil companies than it does from union dues.

“Conflicts of interest are rampant, and the union has clearly crossed the line and become involved in fisheries management,” Cleary wrote.
“The normal union/management dynamic has been mutated into a labour monster.”