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History

Half a Century of Success

Since 1971, the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union has played a vital role in shaping the economic, social and cultural landscape of Newfoundland and Labrador.

They said it couldn’t be done.

Nearly five decades later, the people of the fishing society are still proving them wrong. Learn more about the storied social, economic, and political past of FFAW in Newfoundland & Labrador.

History of the FFAW

In the late 1960s, Newfoundland and Labrador was still adjusting to life as a Canadian province. 

The entire per capita income was only half of the rest of Canada’s, and in our fishing communities it was often worse. Fishing was hard and given little value in a fishery dominated by merchant control.

Traditionally, men worked aboard the boat either as inshore fishermen or as trawlermen aboard merchant vessels. Women and men alike worked in the plants – processing, salting, freezing, and boxing fish for export. Plant workers were not protected by minimum wage laws, so pay was miserable and working conditions harsh.

For the fish harvester, the companies set the prices. The harvester’s only choice was to go fishing or stay home. It was dangerous work for meager earnings. The harvesters were at the mercy of the merchants, who looked down on and exploited those who made them wealthy.

For the necessities of everyday life that they could not produce themselves, fish harvesters depended on the merchant who sold them their gear in the spring, bought their fish in the fall, and sold them their supplies for the winter. Living under this system, most families rarely saw actual cash from their year’s labour. Their lives’ fortune or misfortune was but a line on the merchant’s ledger.

It was during a conversation between three longliner skippers on the Northern Peninsula – Gene Gould, Ralph O’Keefe, and Robert Spence of Port au Choix – that the decision was reached to build a Union. 

They held the first meeting in November of 1969 in Port aux Choix. They aired their grievances and came up with a plan. They elected a steering committee to take the steps towards formal organization. But starting a Union of fishermen was a complicated affair that needed legal help. So, young Richard Cashin was called in.

On April 25, 1970, two hundred fishermen met again in Port au Choix, where the Northern Fishermen’s Union (NFU) was formed. The members spanned from Port Saunders through Port au Choix, to Bartlett’s Harbour as far north as Anchor Point. The Union had also signed up most of the workers in the Port au Choix processing plant.

The first constitutional convention was in April of 1971 where the Newfoundland Fishermen, Food and Allied Workers Union (NFFAW) was officially formed. Richard Cashin was elected President; and Kevin Condon, a Calvert fish harvester and Union Founder, was elected Vice President.

The merchants were now being challenged on several fronts. And the Union’s first major battle was brewing – not on the Northern Peninsula, but in the heart of merchant control on the Island’s south coast. The battle of Burgeo would set the stage for a new era in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history, and a new future for the fishing industry.

There are no easy fixes when it comes to the challenges we face. But we know that when we work together in solidarity, we can achieve remarkable things.

CELEBRATING OUR PAST - STEERING OUR FUTURE

A historical timeline of the FFAW

1969
Father Desmond McGrath moved to the Northern Peninsula and quickly learned that fish harvesters in the region were powerless in the industry of which they were the foundation.

The companies controlled the prices, and fish harvesters had no leverage other than to choose not to go fishing. He discussed the idea of a cooperative or a union with these fish harvesters, and the idea grew.
1970
Father McGrath called Richard Cashin to suggest the formation of a Fishermen’s Union, when the price of fish was 2.5 cents per pound and fish plant workers - excluded by law from the protection of the provincial minimum wage, were paid less than the minimum wage.
1971
The House of Assembly of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act giving inshore fishermen the right to bargain the price of fish. This was the last piece of legislation in the 23 years of government under Joey Smallwood.
1979
The other daring step in establishing the ability of fishing people to successfully run their own affairs was the creation of the Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company in 1979..

Under the bold leadership of Richard Cashin, the union lobbied hard and successfully to ensure the proceeds from the northern shrimp fishery were used to benefit the people of Labrador, not just line the pockets of some remote fishing company.
1981
The other major breakthrough in 1980-81 was the successful campaign waged by the Union to win universal Workers’ Compensation coverage for fishermen. No longer would the widows of fishermen lost at sea have to rely on welfare.

A Bill passed by the House of Assembly in 1981 gave fishermen equivalent coverage to other workers with the fish companies - much to their disgust - obliged to pay the premiums.
1984
The mid-1980's was a time of severe economic difficulties in the fishery which ultimately led to major restructuring of the deep sea fishery. Unity ‘84 was the Union’s rallying cry in fighting to protect jobs and communities, a foreshadowing of a greater fight to come.
1990
The other major breakthrough in 1980-81 was the successful campaign waged by the Union to win universal Workers’ Compensation coverage for fishermen. No longer would the widows of fishermen lost at sea have to rely on welfare.

A Bill passed by the House of Assembly in 1981 gave fishermen equivalent coverage to other workers with the fish companies - much to their disgust - obliged to pay the premiums.
1992
The other major breakthrough in 1980-81 was the successful campaign waged by the Union to win universal Workers’ Compensation coverage for fishermen. No longer would the widows of fishermen lost at sea have to rely on welfare.

A Bill passed by the House of Assembly in 1981 gave fishermen equivalent coverage to other workers with the fish companies - much to their disgust - obliged to pay the premiums.
1995
The resource crisis in the fishery coincided with a crisis in public policy in Canada. Conservative and Liberal governments in Ottawa, spurred on by the Reform Party, set about to dismantle Canada’s social programs. Seasonal workers were singled out for attack in a major assault on the Unemployment Insurance program (now known as the Employment Insurance Program).

Ottawa badly underfunded TAGS, the compensation program for fishery workers put out of work by the closure of key fish stocks. In the summer of 1995, the government tried to arbitrarily roll back benefits.
2014
In November 2014, after 21 years as union president, Earle McCurdy announced his retirement. Two weeks later, Keith Sullivan was elected by union leadership as new president.

Keith is the son of a fish harvester (Lloyd Sullivan) from Calvert, the home of the great Kevin Condon. At 34 years old, Keith represents a generational change for the Union. He worked on the deck of his father's boat to pay his way through university.
Feb 5, 2019
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1908
1908

Sir William F. Coaker founds the Fishermen’s Protective Union (FPU).

1908
1951

Premier Joseph Smallwood forms the Newfoundland Federation of Fishermen (NFF) to advocate for fishermen.

1969
1969

Father McGrath moves to Port aux Choix and raises idea of union or co-operative for fish harvesters who are powerless against merchants and locked in cycle of poverty.

Young St. John’s lawyer and former MP, Richard Cashin, wins landmark settlement against Electric Reduction Company for Placentia Bay fish harvesters impacted by toxic waste in the bay.

Gene Gould, Ralph O’Keefe, and Robert Spence of Port aux Choix made decision with Father McGrath to form a union. The first meeting is held in November 1969, and 69 people attended.

1969
1970
1970

Cashin agrees to join Father McGrath in organizing fish harvesters for union certification. Organizing efforts also include plant workers who face same oppression from merchants.

Support from the Amalgamated Meat Cutter’s Union in Chicago gives the union start-up the financial and personnel backing needed to go beyond the Northern Peninsula as word travelled, and interest grew.

1970
1971
1971

The Newfoundland Fishermen, Food and Allied Workers Union (NFFAWU) holds its founding convention in April 1971. Richard Cashin is elected President and Kevin Condon is elected Secretary-Treasurer.

The provincial government passes the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act, giving fish harvesters collective bargaining rights.

Ray Greening is elected Secretary-Treasurer after playing pivotal role in managing Burgeo through the dispute.

It Started In Burgeo – The Labour Relations Board certified the NFFAWU as bargaining agent for plant workers but the employer refused to recognize. Workers vote to strike. Ray Greening is elected Secretary-Treasurer after playing pivotal role in managing Burgeo through the dispute.

1971
1972

Frank Moores wins election and as promised during his campaign, the government buys Burgeo plant from the Lakes’ and a contract is negotiated with the workers. Landmark victory for the NFFAWU and trade unions across the continent.

1973

Union negotiates a contract increasing plant worker wages by 72%, provides grievance procedures, seniority clause, paid holidays, and a health plan.

1974
1974

Inshore harvesters on the Northern Peninsula strike for high fish prices. South Coast trawlermen tie up in support, and then remain tied up to advocate for their own interests. Harris Report recommends majors changes to relationship between trawlermen and companies.

1974
1975

Trawlermen overwhelmingly vote to strike with goal of achieving recommendations in Harris Report. The strike is eventually settled providing breakthrough gains including a doubling of income for trawlermen.

1977
1977

Union begins to bargain province-wide master collective agreements with the association representing fish processors.

1977
1978
1978

Union successfully lobbies the federal government to have offshore shrimp licenses set aside for people of the Labrador Coast.

Union holds a public meeting in Labrador that leads to the creation of the Labrador Fishermen’s Union Shrimp Company (LFUSC).

1978
1979

First over-the-side sales of mackerel and squid organized by the Union provides important opportunity, and millions of dollars in sales, for inshore fish harvesters.

Second year of Over the side sales expands to cod and turbot in Labrador and continued pelagic and groundfish sales around the island. Fish Merchants lobby to shut it down. Cashin wins the battle to keep buying resulting in millions of dollars to inshore fishers.

1980

2300 workers held 13-week strike at Fishery Products, leading to increased wages and improved working conditions. The agreement sets precedent for other processing plants in the province.

Buyers unilaterally drop fish prices and stop deducting union dues. The Union calls a strike and - following a 5-week tie up - harvesters win price increase and plants resume deduction of dues.

1984
1984

Unity 1984 Campaign further solidifies the solidarity between trawlermen, fish harvesters and plant workers to negotiate fair contracts with adequate wages as high interest rates and weak markets hit the industry.

Kirby restructuring plan leads to creation of Fishery Products International (FPI), which immediately becomes largest employer of fish plant workers and trawlermen and largest buyer of inshore fish in province.

Trawlermen strike for six-months until new management team is brought in at FPI and demands for rollbacks are taken off the table.

1984
1986
1986

Fish harvesters begin raising the alarm on Northern cod stocks only to be dismissed by science. Catch rates continue to decline.

1986
1987
1987

FFAW leaves parent union UFCW to join the Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW).

1987
1989

Scientific advice for Northern cod abruptly adjusts the biomass index less than half the previous estimate.

1990
1990

Fish plants start to close as landings continue to significantly decline.

Molson workers join the FFAW.

1990
1991

Steel Fabrication Plants are certified with the FFAW.

1992
1992

Union plays a leading role in bringing public attention to foreign overfishing. Protests at sea and massive rallies in St. John’s.

Federal Fisheries Minister John Crosbie announces the Cod Moratorium on July 2, 1992, leading to the single largest layoff in Canadian history.

1992
1993
1993

Cashin announces his retirement after 23 years as Union president. Earle McCurdy takes over from Cashin after 23 years as President. Reg Anstey is elected Secretary-Treasurer.

1993
1994

A 5-year, $1.9 million Atlantic Groundfish Strategy (TAGS) is announced by the federal government, with the goal of replacing the expiring post-moratorium support program.

1995

Union negotiates contract with Canship Shuttle Tanker Fleet to employ displaced FPI and National Sea deepsea fisher.

The Union plays a leading role in the formation of the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters (CCPFH).

The Union gains the <35’ fleet first access to snow crab in 2J3KL and 3Ps.

The Cod Sentinel Project is launched, giving harvesters a greater voice and a seat at the scientific assessment table.

The federal government engages in the “Turbot War” with Spain as heavy foreign overfishing continues. The Union organizes a major protest to meet the arrested Spanish trawler in the St. John’s harbour.

1996
1996

The Professional Fish Harvester Certification Board (PFCHB) is established.

1996
1997
1997

Access to snow crab for small boats is expanded, and temporary permits are issued to all <35’ core enterprise owners in 2J3KL and 3Ps.

Northern shrimp access is granted to the <65’ fleet.

1997
1999

Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act is amended to provide a method for price dispute settlements via independent arbitrators.

2003
2003

Long-term closure of Northern Gulf cod fishery announced. Union stages multi-day protest, tying up the Gulf ferry service in Port aux Basques resulting in closure being lifted.

Union files legal proceedings against crab processors for illegal lockout and are successful in obtaining an injunction from the NL Supreme Court.

Reg Anstey steps down as Secretary-Treasurer, replaced by David Decker.

2003
2004

Province-wide collective bargaining begins for Northern shrimp.

2005
2005

Provincial Tories introduce the Raw Material Sharing resulting in thousands of fishers and plant workers converging on St. John’s to fight the Draconian Law and occupy the Provincial Minister of Fisheries office for days. Premier Danny Williams eventually capitulated. Major victory for fishers and industry workers.

Permanent Price Setting Panel given authority to resolve price disputes with decisions binding on all buyers.

2005
2007
2007

FPI is put up for sale. The marketing arm of the company is sold to High Liner Seafoods of Nova Scotia, while the plant and trawler operations are purchased by NL-based Ocean Choice International (OCI).

2007
2008

A global economic recession impacts the market for seafood, as well as industrial, retail and service industries.

2009
2009

Four-day lobster tie-up and occupation of federal offices leading to a commitment from the federal government for project funding aimed at conservation, rationalization, and value-added in the lobster fishery.

2009
2010

Richard Cashin Building, new home of the FFAW, is opened at 368 Hamilton Avenue, in St. John’s.

2011
2011

Joint federal-provincial-industry lobster license buyout program.

Market based formula for lobster pricing developed, leading to nearly 200% increase in next 10 years.

2011
2012
2012

Canadian Independent Fish Harvesters Federation is established.

Newfoundland Labrador Fish Harvesting Safety Association (NL-FHSA) is established.

2012
2013
2013

The Union leads the development of a new Gulf Halibut Management Plan, improving safety, value, and sustainability for Gulf halibut.

The Canadian Autoworkers Union (CAW) merges with CEPUC and becomes Unifor, leading to the FFAW-Unifor.

FFAW’s Women’s Advocate Program is established.

2013
2014

Workers at the Vale nickel mine in Long Harbour unionize with FFAW, with membership growing significantly over the years.

Earle McCurdy announces retirement, Keith Sullivan is elected as new President.

2016
2016

Efforts to raid the Union begin, but application is eventually rejected by the Labour Relations board in 2018 due to lack of support.

Last In, First Out (LIFO) policy for Northern shrimp is abolished.

2016
2018

Federal Court of Appeal rejects the Elson case.

2019
2019

Plant workers and fish harvesters rallied together in St. John’s.

Manufacturing and Processing Safety Sector Council is established to include seafood processing workers.

2019
2020

Bill C-68 is passed, giving the federal Minister of DFO the power to make regulations to protect independence of license holders in commercial inshore fisheries.

Covid-19 pandemic hits. Hundreds of industrial members lose their jobs, and the fishing season faces market destabilization.

2021
2021

Following years of science and leading an experimental fishery, the Union lobbies for adjacency access as a commercial redfish fishery gears up.

2021
2022
2022

Minister Murray closes the Atlantic Mackerel fishery as DFO Science refuses to acknowledge new spawning areas.

Jason Spingle is elected Secretary-Treasurer.

A review of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act (FICBA) is completed, leading to improvements with the Panel.

2022
2023
2023

Keith Sullivan steps down in December of 2022, and in January of 2023, Greg Pretty is elected President.

The Union ramps up campaign to reopen the mackerel fishery and continues fight for more transparency in price setting process.

2023