Changes to the EI regulations a couple of weeks ago totally missed the mark says the union which represents workers in the fishery.

Workers qualify for an additional four weeks of benefits but that’s only for those who filed a claim by September 10. Benefits are now based on the best 16 weeks of employment whereas most fish plant workers get 14 weeks work, so their claim benefit and duration will be reduced.

FFAW President Greg Pretty says it’s tough enough to live in any part of rural Canada as it is without having the EI program pick the pockets of workers.

Pretty says this winter is going to be a tough one for many of their members.

He’s looking for another meeting with Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan.

He calls this the dirty thirties with the winter going to be one of the toughest since Confederation. He calls the changes to EI a real misfire.