The Fish, Food & Allied Workers union (FFAW) and Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) have reached an agreement on snow crab pricing following a two-week dispute. Harvesters will receive $6 per pound until April 18, then the rate will decrease to $5.75 per pound, with further adjustments based on Urner Barry’s market quotes.
The Standing Fish Price Setting Panel set this season’s minimum snow crab price at $5.30 per pound on April 2, as the union did not make a submission, and the ASP’s proposal was accepted. The recent agreement confirmed the panel’s minimum price decision as final, allowing in-season adjustments based on market conditions.
Under the new deal, harvesters will be paid upfront instead of awaiting a post-season settlement adjustment. Weekly prices will be available on the FFAW website, as stated in a recent press release. The FFAW described the agreement as a necessary step to resolve the dispute and progress the snow crab fishery.
Just a week after the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court issued an injunction against the FFAW for alleged interference with fishing activities, the agreement was finalized. Additionally, the ASP filed a lawsuit against two FFAW leaders for allegedly conspiring to obstruct crab harvesting.
In a press release, the ASP emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on threats and violence in the fishery, affirming respect for each harvester’s and buyer’s individual choices.