Government Responds to Unique Circumstances in Marystown,
Provides Employment Assistance Program for FPI Workers

The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced that in light of the unique circumstances surrounding FPI�s Marystown operation, government will provide an employment adjustment program to assist impacted workers.

"Government is cognizant of the very unique circumstances facing FPI workers in the Town of Marystown," said Minister Rideout. "The workers in that town are not just tied up with issues of contract and wages, but also with the uncertainty in the company�s intentions for its groundfish operations in the province, and the company�s relationship with the provincial government in terms of the FPI Act."

The minister noted that FPI�s approach to the groundfish industry in the recent past has been perplexing in that it has been less than an appropriate business like approach, and this is a concern when it comes to Marystown.

"Over the last number of years, FPI invested tens of millions of dollars into its groundfish operations, and promised positive results based on those investments," said the minister. "However, after making those investments, the company appears to be no further ahead. The company�s true intentions in the groundfish sector concern government when it comes to Marystown since FPI�s only remaining groundish operation is in that town, and it hasn�t been opened since last December.

"Furthermore, the company has made it clear that they want the FPI Act rescinded," continued the minister. "Therefore, government is concerned by FPI�s position that even if a collective agreement can be reached, the company will continue to use the FPI Act as a reason to not reopen the plant. It is simply not acceptable for FPI workers in Marystown to be exclusively impacted by these broad issues over which they have no control. Government takes exception to FPI using the workers of Marystown to push its own agenda. Therefore, government has identified a legitimate need to assist FPI workers in Marystown,"

The program being provided to FPI workers in Marystown is comparable to the framework announced in June, which is currently being availed of by residents impacted by the closure of the plant in Fortune. All eligible individuals will be entitled to a maximum of up to one 14-week rotation at a wage rate of $8.75 per hour.

"Other adjustment mechanisms, such as those outlined in the assistance program provided to former fish plant workers in Fortune, will be made available to FPI workers in Marystown as required on a go-forward basis," said Minister Rideout. "These include transitional career counselling services."

Minister Rideout reaffirmed government�s commitment to fishery workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. "The fishery continues to be a top priority for government, and we will continue to put our support behind those depending on the industry."

Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca