Minister pleased FANL has returned to Collective Bargaining Process

The Fisheries Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (FANL) met on Monday, February 24 and decided to re-engage with FFAW/CAW in Final Offer Selection bargaining for the 2003 season.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Yvonne Jones today stated that "The province is pleased to see that FANL will be returning to the Final Offer Selection bargaining process for the 2003 season. The province was pleased to be able to assist in resolving the collective bargaining impasse and is committed to continue working in close cooperation with both FANL and FFAW/CAW to ensure continued stability in the industry."

In October 2002, FANL decided to opt out of the interest-based bargaining model of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act. FANL�s decision to opt out of the model created a high degree of uncertainty within the industry. As the bargaining agent for processors, FANL provided a focal point for negotiations with harvesters. In response to FANL�s withdrawal legislative amendments were made to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act in December 2002 to allow the model to be used in negotiations between the union and individual processing companies.

"FANL�s return to the process will help to ensure the timely settlement of prices and other issues of importance to the industry," said the minister, "especially as it relates to industry-wide initiatives such as mandatory grading, trip limits and seasons, all of which are critical to maintaining the high quality standards demanded in the international marketplace."

Minister Jones indicated that "The use of this model since 1998 has resulted in a period of unprecedented labour peace and stability in the fishing industry. It has been used to settle species price agreements 48 times, of which 22 were resolved through arbitration."

Over the past three weeks a series of discussions were held between FANL, the FFAW/CAW and the province regarding FANL rejoining the collective bargaining process. These discussions focused on three primary areas of concern: structural issues facing the inshore shrimp fishery,proposed legislative review of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act and improvements to regulatory enforcement in respect of mandatory grading of shrimp, snow crab and cod.

"I understand that FANL and the FFAW will be meeting within the next few days to begin the collective barging process for the 2003 season," said Minister Jones. "Department officials from Fisheries and Aquaculture and Labour will again provide support, and I am confident that our industry will benefit from FANL returning to collective bargaining."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, Communications, (709) 729-3733.

2003 02 25                                        12:50 p.m.