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FFAW-Unifor Welcomes Renewal of Atlantic Fisheries Fund

October 15, 2026 / Media Releases

St. John’s, NL—FFAW-Unifor welcomes today’s announcement of a five-year, $300-million renewal of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), ensuring continued investment in research, innovation, and development across Atlantic Canada’s fishing industry.

MINISTER THOMPSON TAKES STANCE ON REC LOBSTER

October 1, 2026 / Media Releases, Member Updates

Minister Joanne Thompson has responded to the request for a recreational lobster fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the answer is clear: no recreational lobster fishery will be considered. Licensed

MEDIA RELEASE: France Will Not Gain Access to Canadian Snow Crab

September 29, 2026 / Media Releases, Member Updates

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Fish harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador are clear: France cannot create access to snow crab on the Grand Banks by unilateral announcement, and Canadians will not consent

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FFAW-Unifor

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14,000 working Newfoundlanders and Labradorians - a history steeped in the fishing industry.

FFAW-Unifor

11 hours ago

Remembering Bill Stockley: A Strong Voice for Fish Plant WorkersFFAW-Unifor remembers longtime union activist Bill Stockley, whose years of leadership, determination, and commitment to working people left a lasting impression on the union and those who worked alongside him.Stockley was a prominent figure in the Marystown fish plant local, serving for many years as a local chairperson and in other positions. Throughout his involvement in the labour movement, he earned a reputation as a strong-willed representative who was never afraid to stand his ground on behalf of the workers he represented.Former FFAW President Earle McCurdy recalled Stockley's important role in some of the union's most significant developments, including his involvement in the Fishery Products Negotiating Committee that secured a landmark collective agreement for fish plant workers in 1980."He was a prominent member of that Negotiating Committee. They negotiated a landmark settlement for plant workers in 1980," McCurdy recalled.The agreement increased the base hourly wage for plant workers from $5 to $7, marking a significant achievement in the fight for better wages and working conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador's fish processing industry.McCurdy also remembered Stockley as a strong supporter of the move away from the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union in favour of the Canadian Auto Workers union, an important development in the union's history.Beyond these accomplishments, Stockley was remembered by his fellow union activists as a man of strong convictions and an independent spirit.Will Reid, who worked alongside Stockley for ten years, remembers him fondly."Certainly Bill was one of the strongest local chairpersons we ever had," Reid recalled. "He did a fine job in running that Marystown local, that's for sure."Reid remembered Stockley as someone who was prepared to challenge decisions and stand firm when he believed the interests of his members were at stake."He was his own person," Reid said. "He didn’t always toe the line, but I mean, he was a good union man. There's no question about that."Allan Moulton, who also worked with Stockley through the union for just under a decade, remembered him as a distinctive character who took genuine enjoyment in his work representing fish plant workers."I'd describe him as an individual who enjoyed what he was doing, enjoyed his life in the union," Moulton recalled.Stockley's contributions form part of the history of FFAW-Unifor and the generations of fish plant workers who organized, negotiated, and stood together to improve their working lives.From the bargaining table to the Marystown plant floor, his years of service reflected the determination of union members who fought to secure better wages, working conditions, and representation for workers throughout the province.He will be remembered for his convictions, his unmistakable personality, and his willingness to stand up for the people he represented.FFAW-Unifor extends its sincere condolences to Bill's family, friends, former coworkers, and all those who had the opportunity to work alongside him. ...

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FFAW-Unifor

4 days ago

Photos from Newfoundland and Labrador Fish Harvesting Safety Association's post ...

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FFAW-Unifor

4 days ago

🔴 FFAW-Unifor Welcomes Renewal of Atlantic Fisheries FundSt. John's, NL—FFAW-Unifor welcomes today’s announcement of a five-year, $300-million renewal of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF), ensuring continued investment in research, innovation, and development across Atlantic Canada’s fishing industry.The Atlantic Fisheries Fund has been an important source of support for initiatives that strengthen our understanding of marine resources, advance fisheries science, and create opportunities for innovation within the industry. Continued access to these investments is particularly important as Newfoundland and Labrador’s inshore fishery faces increasing operational pressures, evolving market conditions, and ongoing challenges surrounding resource management.“Investing in the future of our fishery means investing in the people and communities who depend on it,” says FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street. “Our members understand better than anyone the importance of strong fisheries science, innovation, and long-term planning. The continuation of the Atlantic Fisheries Fund is welcome news, and we look forward to seeing these investments support the priorities of Newfoundland and Labrador’s independent inshore harvesters.”With the renewed fund also supporting market diversification and seafood promotion, FFAW-Unifor recognizes the importance of strengthening market opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood products amid ongoing uncertainty in global trade.As the program moves forward, FFAW-Unifor will continue to advocate for funding that is accessible to independent inshore harvesters and supports industry-led research, sustainable resource management, and the long-term viability of fishing enterprises throughout the province. ...

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FFAW-Unifor

5 days ago

📣 Thanksgiving weekend might be over, but one lobster in Fortune Bay has a little something extra to be thankful for! While conducting research on Thanksgiving Sunday, FFAW-Unifor Science Technician Scott Smith took a moment to pose with one of the lobsters encountered during the day's work before carefully returning it to the water.Scott and harvester Rod spent the holiday weekend documenting lobster distribution at various life stages as part of FFAW's ongoing lobster habitat mapping work in Fortune Bay. This research is one of several projects being carried out under the 2026 Coastal Environmental Baseline Program (CEBP).While many were enjoying their turkey dinners, our Science team and participating harvesters were making the most of a break in the weather to get some important research done on the water!A big thank you to Scott, Rod, and all the harvesters and technicians who dedicate their time and expertise to fisheries science across Newfoundland and Labrador, holiday weekend or not!This project is supported in part by a financial contribution from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Thank you as well to the DFO CEBP team for their support.For more information about the project, contact FFAW Science Project Coordinator Jane Tucker at jtucker@ffaw.ca. ...

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FFAW-Unifor

5 days ago

📣 *** SNOW CRAB HARVESTERS LICENSED TO FISH IN CMA 11E ONLY***The 2026 Post-Season Snow Crab Survey is underway collecting information used in the stock assessment and informing Science Advice to Resource Managers.Harvesters were notified of the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Snow Crab survey by mail in April 2026. Additionally, the opportunity was advertised through direct emails, our Facebook page, and our webpage. We are seeking additional applications to complete this important work in CMA 11E.The deadline for applications is 4pm, Thursday, October 15th.Upon successful completion of the entire survey block, the successful applicant will receive the survey allocation to be caught during the 2027 fishery. However, in the case that the harvester cannot catch their full survey allocation, a pro-rated cash subsidy from the stabilization fund will be used to offset costs.Harvesters are being notified of the opportunity by this post and by notification to the 11E crab committee.For more information, please contact Jane Tucker:T: 709-576-7276C: 709-853-5924E: jtucker@ffaw.caClick link for Application, Eligibility Requirements and Map attachments ...

*** SNOW CRAB HARVESTERS LICENSED TO FISH IN CMA 11E ONLY*** - FFAW | unifor

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The 2026 Post-Season Snow Crab Survey is underway collecting information used in the stock assessment and informing Science Advice to Resource Managers. Harvesters were notified of the opportunity to ...

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