The FFAW says Ottawa is “receptive” to its concerns over this year’s crab fishery, and a request for an extension to EI benefits.

The union took part in two key meetings yesterday on the current crisis over prices, as well as the impact that ice conditions could have on the fishery.

One of those meetings was with officials in the federal employment minister’s office, where a formal request was made for a 10-week employment insurance extension as the current dispute drags on.

The FFAW argued the crisis rivals that of the cod moratorium, adding harvesters and plant workers need emergency help to get through the coming weeks and months.

They say they’re expecting a response from the feds on that next week.

📨‼️ KEEP THE PRESSURE ON YOUR MP FOR EMERGENCY BENEFIT EXTENSIONS – All seasonal fishery workers are encouraged to contact NL MPs using this form: https://t.co/ixfib0J0Ua
.@ChurenceRogers @Joanne_NL @McDonald4Avalon @SeamusORegan @Gudie @YvonneJJones @CQualtro @UniforTheUnion

— FFAW-Unifor (@FFAW_Unifor) April 18, 2023

Meanwhile, a nearly four-hour meeting was also held between the inshore council and various chairs of crab committees, during which a letter was received from the province urging all parties to resume talks.

The consensus during the meeting was that the crab fishery cannot proceed with a price of $2.20 per pound, and it could still be weeks before there’s any improvement or resolution to the impasse, if at all.

They note the possibility of a lost season was also discussed, an outcome the union says no one wants.

The FFAW says staff will begin calling snow crab harvesters on Monday for one-on-one discussions on the crisis.