Greg Pretty Elected President of FFAW-Unifor

January 5, 2023

ST JOHN’S, NL – This afternoon, FFAW-Unifor Joint Council elected Greg Pretty as President of the largest private sector trade union in Newfoundland and Labrador. Pretty brings nearly 40 years of experience in labour management and organizing, having started his career with the union in the early 80’s under Richard Cashin.

Since 2003, Pretty has served as the Director of the Industrial/Retail/Offshore Sector. He has negotiated over 100 collective agreements over his career and has extensive experience with both the inshore and industrial/retail/offshore sectors of the FFAW. Career highlights include:

• Coordinated the Over the Side Sales campaign (1983)
• Advisory Board Member of MUN’s Marine Institute (2006)
• Labour Co-Chair of the National Seafood Sector Council (2007)
• Board Member of Canadian Marine Advisory Committee (2000)
• Board Member of Labour Standards Committee NL (2000)
• Board Member of Metro Business Opportunities (1995-Presdent)
• Co-Chair of NL’s Labour Arbitration Committee (2008-2016)
• Two terms as Vice-President of NL Federation of Labour (2004-2010)
• Current Board Member of Workplace NL. Chair of Client Service Committee, member on the Finance Committee and member of the Sub-Investment Committee
• Prior to taking on IRO Director role in 2003, serviced the inshore sector in 4R, 3Pn, 3Ps and 3K, as well as served on negotiating teams for groundfish, pelagics, shrimp and crab.

“Being President of this Union is a 24/7, 365 job that requires a demonstrated commitment to building solidarity among all sectors of our 14,000 strong Union. Proven experience in negotiations, arbitrations and in dealing with the many levels of bureaucracy, legislation and policy are non-negotiable credentials to ensure stability and strength into the future. I bring all of this to the table in addition to my lifelong, demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of working people in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says newly installed President Greg Pretty.

“My vision is to bring the FFAW back to its roots of grassroots trade unionism. You can hold me to my word that we’ll be hitting the road harder than ever, holding meetings and hearing from members all over the province. We need a renewed focus on member engagement to build solidarity and grow our Union to take on the corporate giants who make it their mission to drive down wages, benefits and protections,” he says.

“I have the utmost faith in the Election Committee and decisions made throughout this process. The Election Committee’s responsibility is first and foremost to uphold the Constitution of FFAW-Unifor, and their actions were taken in full accordance with that Constitution,” Pretty says. “That being said, I recognize and acknowledge that this election process was not as smooth as it could have been. I commit to working with our members to strengthen and clarify the elections process to ensure clarity and continued transparency into the future.”

On his vision for the upcoming year, Pretty says, “the FFAW will be a louder voice than ever, keeping your priorities on the minds of the people who influence change. From the wharf to the shop floor, the FFAW will be a force to be reckoned with. I have a lot of big plans for 2023, and we hit the ground running first thing tomorrow morning,” Pretty concludes.

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