DFO plans to reallocate 50% of the inside commercial crab fishery in Crab Area E and 25% of the outside crab fishery to the five Nuu-cha-nulth Nations on April 1. No consultative process or immediate mitigation or compensation plan for harvesters was announced. This will ruin the livelihoods of many harvesters and family-run businesses. Click […]
UFAWU-Unifor has heard from many fishermen regarding multiple issues with access to employment insurance. The two most common issues are: Denial of claims even despite EI posting that fishermen could be eligible using a reach-back to 2019. UFAWU-Unifor has since found out that they “made a mistake by not clarifying that if reach-back had been […]
The Royal Canadian Air Force recently retired its Buffalo search-and-rescue planes from service. However, a botched plan to replace the aircraft could put West Coast fishermen at severe risk. The importance of search-and-rescue aircraft cannot be overstated. These planes save lives with quick access to vessels and their ability to drop pumps, survival kits, and […]
Last night, UFAWU-Unifor staff and leadership had the opportunity to meet virtually with the newest Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Joyce Murray. Minister Murray was appointed to her newest position back in October of 2021. Since her appointment, UFAWU-Unifor President James Lawson has had the opportunity to meet with Minister Murray […]
Following months of stress and uncertainty surrounding the future of prawn tail tubbing, prawn fishermen have received a win — Minister Joyce Murray has announced that harvesters may continue freezing prawns as they have done so for the past 50 years. In the spring of 2021, prawn harvesters were hit with troubling news when DFO […]
In the spring of 2021, prawn fishermen and their families experienced high anxiety when a last-minute reinterpretation of the Fisheries General Regulation resulted in the banning of tailing, tubbing and freezing B.C. spot prawns at sea. As prawn harvesters are well aware, “Tubbing” has been used for the past 50 years and is how many […]
UFAWU-Unifor is proud to announce a new addition to the United Fishermen’s Benefit Fund. Starting Jan 1, 2022, the United Fishermen’s Benefit Fund will include coverage of up to $500 yearly for counselling services. This coverage may include counselling expenses from registered psychologists, registered counsellors and/or registered social workers. The issues and illnesses that impact […]
On Tuesday, November 9, 2021, an in-person UFAWU-Unifor All Fishermen’s Meeting was held in Prince Rupert. The meeting was open to all harvesters and was hosted by Union representatives Dawn Webb and Joy Thorkelson. Appropriate COVID-19 measures were taken to ensure the safety of those who attended. Attendance included harvesters from a variety of sectors […]
Attention harvesters, a harvester Employment Insurance update has been issued. Harvesters that did not fish this year still qualify if they made $2,500 in 2021 or 2020 or 2019 "Until December 18, 2021, we'll establish your Employment Insurance (EI) claim using the highest earnings from either your current claim or the earnings from 1 of […]
UFAWU-Unifor will hold an All Fishermen's Meeting on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30. The meeting will be held in Prince Rupert at the Prince Rupert Library, located at 101 6 Ave W, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1Y9. Topics covered include the PSSI and long-term closure announcements, EI and Fish Harvester Benefit, FOPO […]
UFAWU-Unifor was saddened by the recent news of Nick Carr's passing. Nick was born in Croatia before moving to Canada at a young age and later becoming a fisherman. During his career, Nick accomplished many things, including becoming President of Local 1 of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union. While president, Nick worked relentlessly […]
The Connected Coast Project is set to bring internet services to rural and remote areas in coastal BC using subsea fibre optic cable. But harvester input is needed to ensure the cable doesn't interfere with harvesting activity. The proposed route of the cable intercepts with prawn fishing grounds, and once laid the cable must be […]