Two local fish processors are speaking out against what they’re calling misinformation being spread in the media by the FFAW about them.

Ocean Choice International and Icewater Seafoods say they have been the targets of false information being spread by the union for many years now.

Martin Sullivan, CEO of OCI, says a lot of the information in the media is surrounding people not getting enough work.

Sullivan says that is not true, and they have not heard the concerns put out by the FFAW from the workers themselves.

He visited Triton last week and says his workers out there were happy with the amount of work they’ve gotten this year. Then they hear statements from FFAW distorting the situation, which he says creates unnecessary unrest.

Sullivan says we need a more collaborative approach to the fishery. He says we need to work to make the pie bigger for everyone, but that won’t happen if we are engaging in negativity all the time.

Action Demonstrates Zero Interest in Improving Collaboration: FFAW

FFAW-Unifor is reaffirming it’s position on what they call “cartel-like behaviour” by some processing companies in the province.

Last week local processors refused to purchase northern cod from fish harvesters because of an overlap with the capelin fishery. The action forced government to open up the market to outside buyers.

Unifor says action taken by companies like OCI demonstrates zero good faith or interest in improving collaboration within the local industry.

The union says OCI has not demonstrated a commitment to local workers and their families, and say the only family that has truly benefited by resources harvested is the one that owns OCI.