FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2026, St. John’s, NL –
Today, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador granted an injunction order against the Fish Food and Allied Workers Union-Unifor (FFAW) to ensure that harvesters are free to fish their snow crab quota, should they wish to do so, and land their catch to processors in the province without being targeted with threats of violence. In particular, the Court has ordered that the FFAW shall cease and desist from any further declaration or authorization of the ongoing tie-up.
A timely start to the crab fishery is important for harvesters, plant workers, processors and the province, and the province’s legislation, the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act (FICBA) acknowledges this importance.
The period for collective bargaining for snow crab has ended and a minimum price has been set by the Standing Fish Price Setting Panel (Panel). The Panel is the legislative process that sets the minimum price for fish when the FFAW and ASP are unable to come to an agreement. The Panel’s decision includes a formula that reflects a fair sharing arrangement of the true market price for Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab for the 2026 season.
Harvesters need to know that it is their own individual business choice to go fishing and landing their catch to processors in the province is free from violence and threats. It is not up to the Union. The FFAW-led tie-up is over.
The order is in effect until a full hearing before the Labour Relations Board, scheduled for April 21.
Industry’s focus needs to be on ensuring a stable, coordinated, and successful snow crab season and that requires collaboration, respect, and alignment across the entire industry.
“When conflict, misinformation, or division is introduced into the system, it delays operations, undermines market opportunities, and ultimately harms harvesters, plant workers, processors, families, and communities.” Lorelei Roberts, Executive Director
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Media Contact:
Association of Seafood Producers
709-726-3730
info@seafoodproducers.org
