FFAW-Unifor Celebrates Victory as St. Pierre-Miquelon Vessel Blocked from Landing Sea Cucumber in Newfoundland

GRAND BANK, NL – The Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor) proudly announces a significant victory for Newfoundland and Labrador harvesters. On September 8 and 9, a vessel from St. Pierre and Miquelon attempted to land sea cucumber at a discounted price of $0.50 per pound in Grand Bank, undercutting the panel-set price of $0.69 per pound. In a powerful display of solidarity, FFAW members gathered at the wharf in Grand Bank, refusing to allow the vessel to offload its product.

The unified action by FFAW members sent a clear message: Newfoundland and Labrador harvesters will not tolerate attempts to undermine their livelihoods or the fair pricing established through the collective bargaining process. Facing this resolute opposition, the St. Pierre and Miquelon vessel was forced to leave without landing its sea cucumber.

“This is a tremendous win for our harvesters and coastal communities,” said FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street. “By standing together, our members have shown that we will not allow foreign interests to exploit our fishery or erode the fair market practices we’ve fought for. This victory reinforces the strength of our collective resolve.”

FFAW-Unifor remains dedicated to protecting the rights of Newfoundland and Labrador harvesters and calls on the provincial government to investigate anti-competitive practices by companies attempting to bypass panel-set prices. The union reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that fish processing licenses prioritize the well-being of local harvesters, plant workers, and rural communities.