FFAW Calls on Government for Immediate Extended Benefits for Harvesters Affected by Severe Ice Conditions

FFAW Calls on Government for Immediate Extended Benefits for Harvesters Affected by Severe Ice Conditions

May 6, 2019

On April 18, FFAW-Unifor submitted a formal request to Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, to extend Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to fish harvesters in our province impacted by the delayed opening of the fishery due to severe ice conditions. The need for compensation has been articulated to Newfoundland and Labrador Members of Parliament, who have hundreds of constituents affected by this issue. However, no action has yet been taken to assist individuals who are facing significant financial strain as a result of uncontrollable environmental conditions.

“Hundreds of inshore harvesters are experiencing severe economic hardship as a result of delays to the snow crab and lobster fisheries on the province’s northeast and west coast. It’s crucial that the government take immediate action to assist these families until the severe ice conditions allow them to begin their fishing season,” says Keith Sullivan, FFAW-Unifor President.

“Some families have been without any form of income for nearly two months and the number of people affected continues to rise. Families are at a breaking point with many people unable to pay their basic bills,” explains Nancy Bowers, Inshore Council member and Deputy-Mayor of Beachside.

Delays as a result of ice conditions are a common occurrence for many employed in the fishery. A permanent solution with no waiting period is needed for all workersaffected by these delays.

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For media inquiries, please contact Courtney Glode, FFAW-Unifor Communications, at 743-4445 or cglode@ffaw.net.