Two out-of-province boats have been turned away from unloading their crab in Port-aux-Basques since last night, according to the FFAW.
On Sunday night, the fisheries union issued a statement that fish harvesters around the province were mobilizing to block out-of-province crab from landing in Newfoundland and Labrador for processing. Harvesters and plant workers are calling on the province to step in and set a prohibition while they work to ensure their safety during the pandemic.
(Photo courtesy FFAW.)
The FFAW accuses processing companies of “pocketed subsidies from the federal government” while bringing in crab from outside the province in order to pressure local plant workers back to work.
While two vessels were turned away, and many others turned back at-sea, according to the FFAW, the union said vessel operators were understanding of the situation. They were allowed to refuel and ice their crab, but the FFAW says they were denied from offloading. The boats turned back without incident.
NL harvesters have agreed not to interfere with icing of crab but wont permit offloading #nlpoli https://t.co/7TWuvmh3Jz pic.twitter.com/8xaLGOm4GN
— FFAW-Unifor (@FFAW_Unifor) April 26, 2020
As well, three transport trucks carrying out-of-province crab have reportedly been halted by harvesters in South Brook and Goobies.
The FFAW continues its call to prohibit crab from outside of Newfoundland and Labrador of being processed locally until proper measures are in place to launch the local fishery.
Earlier Story
FFAW to Block Import of Crab Amid Safety Concerns
