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Jones says problems with Raw Material Sharing evident in
Labrador plant June 9, 2005
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Yvonne Jones, Opposition Critic for Labrador Affairs and MHA for the
District of Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair, says the Raw Material Sharing plan
imposed by the Williams government is having a negative impact on the crab
fishery in southern Labrador. "A special provision in government’s RMS plan could force the crab plant in Black Tickle to temporarily shut down as early as tomorrow," said Jones. "The plant has processed greater than 20 per cent above the provincial average at this point in the season and will be forced to close its doors until other plants catch up. "This is unacceptable for Labrador plant workers because of the shorter season that will close on June 20th. Other plants on the Island will have a much longer season in which to catch and process their quotas. We have a situation here where 50 workers will be forced out of work and without enough hours to qualify for Employment Insurance benefits. I see no point in closing a quality producing plant for a day or two at a time under this scheme. "The company wrote the Minister of Fisheries who has told the impacted workers that he is unwilling to alter his plan. I find his position completely unreasonable and I am calling on him to make a special provision for areas, like Labrador, who through no fault of their own will be forced to shut down early and lose essential work hours. "This plant should be allowed to continue to process crab until their quota is exhausted or the season ends on June 20th, providing they do not exceed their assigned plant quota. There is just two weeks remaining for plants in my district to process their remaining quota." Jones, who has four crab plants in the district employing approximately 300 workers, feels government flexibility in its regulation is required to rectify this situation. |
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