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Minister and FFAW President Reach Agreement

Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister John Efford and Earle McCurdy, president of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers' Union, have reached agreement that a temporary lifting of the restriction on exporting unprocessed crab for 30 days is a "reasonable short-term measure" to allow the crab fishery to get under way immediately.

At a meeting this morning, both agreed that this measure will allow the fishery to get under way in spite of the on-going price dispute between the union and processors in this province. It will also give crab harvesters a better idea of what prices can be paid for the crab they harvest.

"I emphasize that this is a short-term measure," Mr. Efford said. "Government will not jeopardize the long-term ability of fishery workers to earn a living in the province. We can not and will not adopt a policy that promotes the export of jobs. Fish harvesters and plant workers want to work in the fishery. We are committed to ensuring that fish harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador is processed in our province, and that fishermen receive a fair price for their harvest. To ensure this occurs, we will consider other measures which provide for a greater competition for crab landed and processed in the province."

The Minister outlined the policy with respect to any buying arrangements involving out-of-province processors of crab. Minister Efford stated that harvesters can sell crab through any of the 300 or more fish buyers or processors in this province as agents for processors outside the province, and this matter has now been reaffirmed in discussions with the FFAW.

Mr. Efford said that while this short-term measure will help the 1997 crab fishery get under way, other measures need to be taken for the long-term.

"Government will proceed with an industrial inquiry into the crab fishery. Clearly, there are complex problems in the crab industry, problems that need to be resolved to ensure that the fishery can begin early next year, and that fair prices will be paid for the harvest. A comprehensive industrial inquiry will help us resolve problems for the long term. The Minister of Environment and Labour, Kevin Aylward, and I will elaborate on this at a later date when the details of the nature and scope of the inquiry are finalized," Mr. Efford said.

Mr. Efford said he believes the productive discussions held today with Mr. McCurdy and other representatives of the FFAW "will get the crab fishery started without undue delay, and are important steps toward finding lasting solutions to the problems in the industry."

Contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Director of Communications (709) 729- 3733