FFAW claims harvesters revoking signed support for FISH-NL

The president of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW) says some fish harvesters are having a change of heart about FISH-NL.

• FISH-NL claims significant progress in membership drive
• 'Taking down the saltwater mafia': Fish harvesters move towards new union

In a news release Monday, Keith Sullivan said his union is being contacted by people who want to revoke their signatures on membership cards that supportedRyan Cleary's breakaway group.

"It's become very clear that harvesters are not buying the hollow agenda of anger and division with no plan that FISH-NL is trying to sell," said Sullivan.

The release states the "surge" inrequests to revoke signatures "comes at the same time as Cleary questioned whether there should be an inshore northern cod fishery at all this year."

• FFAW'sthreat complaints an attempt to tarnishFISH-NL:Cleary
• FFAW charges breakaway group could hurt fish harvesters

"FFAW has the strength and experience," Sullivan said in the news release.

"Mr. Cleary has no plan, no experience and no resources to ensure fish harvesters have the representation they need."

'Propaganda'

Clearysaid the claims leveled on Monday were "total, 100 per cent, FFAW lies and propaganda."

He said he has not seen any indication that harvesters were revoking their signed support, and claims there's no reason for any fisherman to take back their signatures.

He told CBC News on Monday night that if FISH-NL receives signed support from more than half the province's fish harvesters, it will force a vote at Newfoundland and Labrador's labour relations board between FISH-NL and the FFAW.

"Why would anybody sign a card to revoke, when all this is going to do is force a vote and more debate?" he said. "That's a good thing."

He said his effort to register FISH-NL has caused more debate about representation in the province, and claimed that more fish harvesters were now hearing from the FFAW.

"The FFAW has been shaken alive," he said.

"We've got cards coming in every single day, the support is doing nothing but growing."