UNION LEADERSHIP MEETINGS THIS WEEK; GLYNN SWORN IN

This week, FFAW union leadership met in Gander to discuss challenges facing members and workplaces and to set priorities for the coming weeks and months. On Monday and Tuesday, the Industrial Retail Offshore (IRO) Council met, providing leadership in the non-fishing sector with a dedicated platform to raise concerns in their industries. Key topics included mental health crises among workers, financial stress caused by fluctuating EI divisors, federal and provincial lobbying goals, workplace safety concerns, and more.

On Tuesday morning, the Honourable Mike Goosney, Minister of Labour, joined in-person to deliver remarks and hear the concerns of leadership around the table. Key issues raised include impacts of contract flipping on workers (like that done by Vale in Long Harbour), as well as safety concerns in workplaces that experience unregulated extreme temperatures. The Minister expressed interest in working with the Union to find solutions to these issues.

On Tuesday evening, longtime union leader Karen Powell of Happy Adventure Seafoods was honoured for her 18 years of leadership in her workplace.

“Those who hold these voluntary leadership positions know that it’s not easy work. The sacrifices made through lost personal time, the emotional toll, and the pressure often applied by workplace management do not go unseen,” says FFAW-Unifor President Dwan Street.

“While it may often feel like thankless work, the contributions these leaders make are vital to their workplaces and communities. Our union is strong because of you. The gains we’ve made—the progress we’ve fought tooth and nail for—are the result of the dedication and sacrifice of these union leaders,” FFAW President Dwan Street says.

On Wednesday morning, the Executive Board meeting began with the swearing-in of newly elected Secretary-Treasurer Sherry Glynn. Glynn officially assumes the position as of yesterday and looks forward to working with President Street, FFAW leaders, and rank-and-file members to bring positive change to wharves and workplaces throughout the province.

For the first time in history, we have three Women leaders at the head of the Executive Board.

“I’ve been around the Inshore table for many years, but this week was my first IRO Council meeting. It’s clear we have the right people around the table, fighting for your interests and working to improve the lives of all our members,” says Glynn.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us in the coming weeks and months as we fight for stability and fairness for all our members. There will always be those working only for their own interests and not for the betterment of everyone, but it is refreshing to be reminded that there are more people who truly care about fighting for everyone. These are the leaders who care about the future of the industry, who want to give the next generation a chance, and who genuinely want to ensure the smallest among us is protected as much as the biggest. I’m looking forward to working more with these leaders and with all our members to hear your concerns and find solutions,” Glynn says.

The next Inshore Council meeting will take place this fall