ST. JOHN’S, N.L.
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
CANADA
The matter of the Federation of Independent Sea Harvesters of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (FISH-NL) application for certification may be inching towards a resolution.
In a release issued today, Aug. 24, FISH-NL says it is encouraged the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board has agreed to consider its arguments to hold an immediate vote for inshore harvesters on whether the breakaway group should represent them.
“We are confident harvesters will get the vote they’ve been waiting almost 21 months for once the board considers all evidence,” FISH-NL president Ryan Cleary said in the release. “A vote is the only way to determine the true wishes of inshore harvesters.”
The board held a hearing in St. John's on Aug. 20 to define what constitutes an inshore harvester.
FISH-NL had previously requested an immediate vote once that definition has been settled.
The release cited “extreme intimidation” by the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW-Unifor) union, which currently represents inshore harvesters, as one of the reasons an immediate vote should be held.
An unacceptable delay in dealing with the application for certification and the right of harvesters under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms to choose their union representation were the other two.
The board did not deal with the request for an immediate vote at the Aug. 20 hearing but later issued an order for FISH-NL to provide a written submission by Aug. 31.
The FFAW-Unifor and the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) then have until Sept. 7 to respond. FISH-NL will have until Sept. 12 to reply to those positions.
“The Labour Relations Board could be in a position to finally rule on FISH-NL’s application for certification after Sept. 12th,” Cleary said.
