Tentative deal reached that could see snow crab harvesters back on the water

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 withprices over $7 per pound.

The deal would see $2.20 per pound remain in place for the entire season, not just for thethree-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.

What's at stake in the stalled N.L. snow crab fishery?

1 year ago

Duration 2:18

Todd O'Brien, host of CBC's The Broadcast, breaks down the industry numbers.

The union would also havethe right for a price reconsideration if the market does improve.

"If in factwe 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."

Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador