Government presents alternative position to FFAW
for a one-year pilot project on RMS system, including independent evaluation panel

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to strengthening the crab fishery by introducing a pilot project in raw material sharing (RMS). In recognition of some the concerns about this system, and as a gesture of good faith, the government is offering to reduce the length of the pilot project to one year. With the introduction of soft-shell protocols that will shorten the fishing season, this effectively means that the pilot project will last three months.

As well as reducing the length of the pilot, the government is offering to establish an independent monitoring committee. This third-party body would include representatives of government, fish plant workers, harvesters, and processors, and would be moderated by an independent chairperson. It would be tasked with managing the implementation of the RMS system and gathering broad advice on whether it should proceed in 2006.

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, says that this is a reasonable and fair proposal that addresses concerns about the need for more industry input, and can provide the basis for processors and harvesters to begin collective bargaining.

"As an act of good faith and compromise, government is prepared to move from a two-year pilot project to what is effectively a three-month pilot," says the minister. "We would put in place with stakeholders, a committee to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the RMS system. This group would comprise representatives from government, harvesters, plant workers and processors, and would be chaired by an independent third-party which would be agreed to jointly by all parties. In the fall, after the pilot project for this season is complete, this committee would gather viewpoints and input from stakeholder representatives on whether or not the new system was successful. The independent chair would have the mandate and authority to recommend to government whether the RMS should stay in place in the future or not.

"Four studies have recommended raw material sharing as a way to deal with the instability that has plagued the fishing industry, and we need to give it a try. We need to find out if the promised benefits are realized, like plant workers and rural businesses knowing how much work will be available. We recognize that some harvesters don't want any type of sharing system, while others in the industry and rural communities support it. Our offer is reasonable, and the pilot project deserves a chance."

Since the March 2, 2005 policy announcement, Minister Taylor has stated that he is available to discuss the details of raw material sharing. Government officials, including the minister, have been involved in a series of meetings in recent weeks with Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) representatives to discuss their concerns. Minister Taylor has also met with the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP), and has made it "crystal clear" that he will not tolerate relationship disruptions with harvesters, such as interference in the setting of a fair price or adjustments in the provision of services.

"It is time to get the fishery open for the benefit of all involved, especially the rural communities dependant upon those fisheries," added the minister. "This three-month pilot project and independent panel offer is fair and though union leadership have turned it down, I urge them to reconsider this reasonable offer and get harvesters out on the water. This is what everyone wants."

Media contact: Alex Marland, Communications (709) 729-3733, 690-6047

Background information

2005 04 29                                                       5:30 p.m.