Tentative deal reached that could see snow crab harvesters back on the water
$2.20 per pound would be locked in for remainder of season
The Fish, Food & Allied Workers union has reached a tentative deal that could see snow crab harvesters back on the water in short order.
Union president Greg Pretty told CBC News shortly after 6 p.m. Friday that details of the deal will be sent to union members for ratification.
"It's been a really good day," Pretty said.
The FFAW and the Association of Seafood Producers have been stuck in a stalemate for weeks over the $2.20-per-pound price set by the provincial price-setting panel in early April. With the rising cost of fuel and other supplies, mjany harvesters have said the $2.20 price wouldn't make for a viable season after two years with prices over $7 per pound.
The deal would see $2.20 per pound remain in place for the entire season, not just for the three-week window offered by the processors' association, after which it would ask for a price reconsideration from the price-setting panel.
"That is a significant move and it gives us a lot of latitude to have a fishery," Pretty said.
The union would also have the right for a price reconsideration if the market does improve.
"If in fact we get a green light tomorrow from our crab fleet, we can get up and going relatively shortly," Pretty said.
Having crab boats back on the water wouldn't only be a relief for harvesters.
Twenty-two processing plants across Newfoundland and Labrador are eagerly awaiting the catch so roughly 5,000 plant workers can get back on the job.
"We've gone through a very tough month and there's some light at the end of the tunnel," Pretty said.
"I'll leave it to the harvesters to make that decision, and I know they'll make it in good faith."
With files from The Broadcast