Provincial Government Brings Forward Amendments to
the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act

The Provincial Government today announced proposed amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act that will provide improvements to the fish price-setting model and benefit the fishing industry of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The amendments introduced today include important provisions to ensure that, when required, prices are set by the Fish Price-Setting Panel early in the fishing season. They also include a new regulation-making authority for the minister responsible for the Labour Relations Agency that will support a more efficient reconsideration process.

�Since first introducing the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel, the province has undergone five fishing seasons and with that experience we see opportunity to adjust the legislative framework and make further improvements,� said the Honourable Joan Burke, Acting Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency. �The amendments to the legislation will refine the price-setting model in order to provide further stability for the industry, ensure that prices are established early in the season and reinforce the responsibility of the parties to engage in collective bargaining. These amendments will send a stabilizing message to the international markets that the process for setting fish prices in Newfoundland and Labrador is secure and that business can continue.�

In spring 2006, the Provincial Government brought forward amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act to establish a balanced regime for collective bargaining through the establishment of the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel. In late 2006, the Provincial Government introduced further amendments related to the reconsideration process. The 2010 amendments are designed to further strengthen the legislation.

�The matter of price setting in the fishing industry has always been difficult,� said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. �There are a number of uncertainties related to international market prices, quota levels and exchange rates. There are also challenges in terms of incomes and margins in the fishing industry and the volatility of the global marketplace. These amendments will assist the industry in responding to address these challenges and provide a more effective price setting model for the industry.�

In developing the amendments, consultations were held with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers� Union, the Association of Seafood Producers, the Seafood Processors of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel.

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2010 12 14                                                     8:00 p.m.