Full Steam Ahead

Grassroots Union  Building

FISH-NL is a recognized union representing inshore harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded in October, 2016 by inshore harvesters, FISH-NL currently operates primarily through the voluntary payment of dues and donations by harvesters themselves. FISH-NL is a union just for inshore harvesters, built by inshore harvesters, and democratically run by inshore harvesters.

Twice since 2016 FISH-NL has put out the call for support in the form of crowdfunding campaigns that appeal to harvesters and the general public. Each time, that call has been answered, and now we launch our third campaign in support of the ongoing membership drive that will conclude in early November. This is a campaign that welcomes support from anyone who wants to see FISH-NL succeed.


Membership Drive: Building a new Union

This membership drive is an essential component for FISH-NL’s successful application for certification. At least 40 per cent of inshore harvesters must sign membership cards to trigger a vote by the province’s Labour Relations Board. The choice for harvesters in that vote will be between FISH-NL and the FFAW/Unifor, and ALL inshore harvesters will be able to cast a secret ballot. 

FISH-NL President Ryan Cleary and other members of the executive have been touring the province with harvesters for the past several weeks and people of all ages and backgrounds have talked about the importance of the fishery to rural communities. People in every nook and cranny of the province have provided words of support, with some asking how they can help.


Follow the membership drive on our facebook page
We’re always posting photo and video updates on our facebook page; check it out and follow the membership drive and provincial tour. 


Membership Drive Campaign Expenses

As with any campaign, conducting a membership drive comes with costs. These costs include touring the province (RV rental, gas, and meals), holding meetings, printing material, mailing costs, advertising, temporary staffing and legal fees. The FISH-NL team is making every dollar count, building on the volunteer efforts of members and supporters that make up the backbone of the campaign.

Each card signed also requires a $5 fee to be paid by harvesters. The FISH-NL executive discussed increasing this membership fee to $20 per card, which would have raised $80,000 with the signing of 4,000 membership cards — the campaign’s goal. Although this would have covered all the costs of the membership drive, feedback from volunteers and members was that a $20 fee would discourage and possibly exclude some harvesters from joining. The executive decided to keep the fee at $5 to minimize any financial barriers faced by harvesters.

The core funding for FISH-NL comes from members voluntarily paying dues of $24/month or $288/year. Harvesters voluntarily pay these dues, and any additional funds paid by a harvester to FISH-NL are considered a donation. Members with the ability to donate more than their dues bolster the union for everyone and they do this with the understanding that donations do not buy influence in the union. FISH-NL operates based on fairness for all inshore harvesters — donations do not translate to influence within the organization.


Dues-Paying Members

This campaign is in addition to funds raised through membership dues. If you are an inshore harvester and would like to pay your dues monthly, in a lump sum, or through installments, please visit the FISH-NL website  or call the office at [phone redacted]. Every member that voluntarily pays dues makes FISH-NL stronger.

If you are already paying your dues, thank you! These dues are investments in your future as a harvester, and in the fishery itself. Together, we are building a new union and a new future for the inshore fishery.


 
Fighting for a Stronger Fishery; Fighting for Rural Communities

Upon FISH-NL’s certification as bargaining agent for inshore harvesters, efforts will focus on fundamentally changing how inshore harvesters are represented. First and foremost, harvesters will always democratically choose the issues FISH-NL focuses on, meaning only harvesters will decide the course to be set. Support for several issues is resounding, including:

· Overhaul the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board to make it easier for young people to get into the industry, and pass down fishing licenses within families;

· Advocate for an Atlantic Fisheries Accord (similar to the Atlantic Accord for oil and gas) to ensure NL is the principal beneficiary of all adjacent fish stocks;

· Work with governments to institute a seal cull both in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and off Newfoundland’s northeast coast and Labrador to protect commercial stocks;

· Lobby the provincial government, and work with industry stakeholders, to allow outside buyers to operate within the province;

· Organize open, transparent membership meetings regarding various species such as cod and turbot so that decisions are debated, and voted on. Majority rules. 
 




No processors

Legislation governing inshore harvesters requires that FISH-NL not be influenced by a processor. FISH-NL will not accept any donations from processors/buyers or the offshore sector.

Please contact the FISH-NL office at any time: [phone redacted]

Thank you for getting on board with FISH-NL!