A scheduled demonstration regarding snow crab pricing at Confederation Building in St. John’s has been deferred following intervention by Premier Tony Wakeham, as reported by the Fish, Food & Allied Workers union (FFAW). The upcoming fishery opening date in most regions is April 5, pending price negotiations between FFAW and the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP). Failure to reach a mutual agreement will prompt the standing fish price setting panel, originally set to convene on Monday, to make a decision.
Initially planning a protest in anticipation of the panel’s ruling, the union announced its postponement after Premier Wakeham engaged with them. Jason Sullivan, a crab harvester and FFAW executive member, emphasized their stance against resorting to the price setting panel for crab pricing. Sullivan expressed concerns about potential financial losses to their communities if the ASP and merchants dictated prices unilaterally.
Wakeham has reportedly postponed the panel decision by 72 hours according to Sullivan, while an official statement from the Department of Government Services clarified that the hearing was rescheduled for Wednesday, delayed by 48 hours. ASP’s executive director, Lorelei Roberts, welcomed the cancellation of the protest, advocating for amicable dispute resolution methods. She highlighted the importance of both parties engaging in negotiations and criticized FFAW’s reluctance to bargain or provide offers.
Roberts mentioned a prior discussion with FFAW under without-prejudice terms, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the legislative process. ASP’s pricing proposal has been submitted to the panel, awaiting FFAW’s participation in negotiations. Sullivan urged for the removal of binding arbitration, expressing frustration with the existing negotiation framework.
The FFAW’s president, Dwan Street, stressed the need for fair pricing to kickstart the fishery season, highlighting challenges in reaching a consensus with ASP. Sullivan criticized the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ decision-making process, labeling it as flawed and calling for a review of the precautionary approach. The ongoing pricing dispute has led to delays in the snow crab fishery opening, with both parties urged to find common ground for the benefit of all stakeholders.