Ocean Choice International is firing back at the FFAW for what it calls misinformation and continued combative behaviour from the union.
Tensions boiled over earlier this week, as fish harvesters and plant workers set up blockades to prevent out-of-province shipments of crab from being processed in Newfoundland and Labrador, while questions remain about the future of the local fishery and concerns about workplace safety due to COVID-19.
On Wednesday, Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador granted OCI an injunction, ordering the blockades to be removed.
On Friday, the FFAW issued a release accusing the Association of Seafood Producers and its members, Royal Greenland and OCI, of using the “COVID-19 crisis” for their own benefit.
“ASP and its members, Ocean Choice International and Royal Greenland, have attempted to use the COVID-19 crisis as means to exploit workers, suppress fish prices and engage in union busting while pocketing generous subsidies from the federal government. FFAW-Unifor will not stand for this behaviour. Working people in this province, especially those in the fishing industry, deserve a voice and a say when it comes to occupational health and safety and fair wages. Our union will continue to fight back against the shameful tactics used by these companies to hurt workers and their families.”
-Excerpt from the May 1 release issued by the FFAW.
President of OCI, Blaine Sullivan takes exception to the FFAW’s comments, stating they were “uncalled for” and “simply not the truth.”
Sullivan says OCI has made significant modifications to its plants and purchased additional PPE to protect its workers. He says preparations were underway long before the federal government announced subsidies, and they were prepared to update their operations regardless of funding.
Martin Sullivan, the CEO of OCI, argues that collaboration within the fishing industry is critical at this time. What matters most, he contends, is that everyone works together to ensure a safe fishery can be operated during the pandemic.
Sullivan calls for all sides to move on from the conflict, and work together to protect those working in the industry.
