The FFAW is calling on the federal government to maintain EI qualification criteria for those outside the St. John’s area for the remainder of the year.

The union says more than 20,000 seasonal fisheries workers have been affected by a sudden change in qualification criteria for employment insurance.

Seasonal workers applying for their EI now require a minimum of 455 hours to qualify for benefits, while before August 6 it was 420 hours.

The change also increases the fishing earnings needed for those outside St. John’s and means that many will be short by up to six weeks’ benefits before the next working season begins.

The FFAW’s Allan Moulton is calling on Ottawa to at least maintain the current criteria so as not to impact workers this season who are already facing a tough time.