FFAW Pushes Back on Seafood Producers’ Claims Amid Crab Fishery Dispute

The Fish, Food and Allied Workers union is disputing claims made by the Association of Seafood Producers, saying recent statements about harvesters and the snow crab fishery are inaccurate and misleading.

In a response to an open letter issued by the producers’ group, FFAW-Unifor said harvesters are not refusing to fish, but are instead seeking a fair price through improvements to the current pricing process.

Union president Dwan Street said delays in the fishery are tied to unresolved pricing issues, as well as pending information on 2026 quotas and export markets.

Street also rejected claims that the union is encouraging a delay or stoppage of the snow crab fishery.

The union further denied allegations that it plans to move large volumes of crab out of the province at the expense of plant workers. It said harvesters exploring other market options reflects concerns about limited competition in processing, which it argues is concentrated among a small number of companies.

FFAW also criticized the seafood producers’ group, alleging past actions by industry representatives contradicted their current messaging.

The union said it is awaiting clarification from the provincial government on how much crab was shipped out of the province in 2025, but noted recent changes to processing licences are expected to prevent companies from exporting unprocessed product in 2026.