Despite concerns over the large gathering of protesters outside the FFAW offices on Saturday, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary indicates that no charges were laid in connection with the protest.
Frustrations boiled over as crab harvesters face what they call an uneconomic future for their fishery, due to low crab prices and trip limits of 1,500 pounds weekly.
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
Hundreds of harvesters gathered outside the FFAW-Unifor offices in the capital city, calling for the fishery to be shut down and for the federal government to step in with assistance.
Protestors wore masks, but many on social media pointed out the folly of such a large gathering during a global pandemic.
At one point, harvesters in attendance were grouped closely together in the FFAW parking lot.
RNC officers, who were monitoring the weekend protest, indicate no charges were laid.
Police closed off a portion of Hamilton Avenue to allow those in attendance to spread out and allow for greater physical distancing. The crowd dispersed a short time later.
RNC say they communicated with organizers to emphasize the importance of physical distancing, and health and safety.
