|
Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says it is imperative
that government develop a plan to help crab plant workers get through this
uncertain labour dispute involving crab harvesters and government. "This
whole unfortunate labour situation in the crab industry was unnecessarily
created by this government," said Mr. Joyce. "The Premier’s heavy-handed
approach to implementing a production quota system is keeping fish plants
closed and hurting the plant workers who rely on this industry. The Premier
created this mess and he should explain what he plans to do to help out the
thousands of plant workers in the province who are not working because of
this unilateral decision.
"The crab season usually lasts about 14 weeks before it is closed due to
poor quality soft-shelled crab. Each and every week of work is very
important for those individuals who rely on this industry to qualify for
Employment Insurance benefits. If this situation is not resolved soon, many
people will not get enough work and could be left with little choice but to
move to the mainland or file for social assistance. Is this the Premier’s
plan to revitalize rural Newfoundland and Labrador?
"There are approximately 150 people who rely on the crab industry in the
Bay of Islands. I am very concerned that this government will continue with
their plan to implement a production quota system, even though they did not
consult with fish harvesters as previously promised. I am also very
concerned that there is no plan in place to help alleviate the financial
burden that will be placed on thousands of families in this province because
of this government’s decision. This is not fair to fish harvesters, and is
certainly not fair to fish plant workers.
"Now is the time for government to scrap this production quota system and
return to negotiations with the union as they did with the shrimp industry
last year. If the Premier continues to be willing to sacrifice an entire
crab season, I hope he is developing a plan to help plant workers get
through this difficult and uncertain period."
|