Close to 200 or 300 fish harvesters gathered outside of the FFAW building on Hamilton Avenue for a demonstration earlier today.

Workers say opening the fishery on Monday will put them in jeopardy and is causing division. They want to know why the union isn’t providing them with the answers they need.

Industry workers are calling on the union to step in as trip limits are being placed on harvesters throughout the province.

Fisherman Jason Sullivan says the limits put in place are too restrictive, especially with the price of snow crab at $2.90 a pound.

Fishermen shouting “Shut it down!” And “Where’s Gerry Byrne?” at FFAW Keith Sullivan. pic.twitter.com/XzlyCMw9rg

— Linda Swain (@LindaSwainVOCM) May 9, 2020

The FFAW acknowledges the frustrations among harvesters, including those involved in the demonstration today. The union says the discontent for this season must be placed on the Association of Seafood Producers.

The union says they are still calling on federal support for the fish harvesters of the province.

FFAW President Keith Sullivan says fish harvesters need to stick together, but harvesters gathered here say opening the fishery this Monday is causing division. pic.twitter.com/rLruF1MFv8

— Linda Swain (@LindaSwainVOCM) May 9, 2020

There are a number of issues being raised here, from safety, to perceived ineffectiveness of the union, to crab prices and trip limits. pic.twitter.com/yYZ4BzRFUm

— Linda Swain (@LindaSwainVOCM) May 9, 2020