MFU: Voice of the Maritime Fisherman's Union.
Periodical profile published 1981
Publisher: Maritime Fishermen's Union, P.O. Box 506, Richibouctou, New Brunswick
Year Published: 1981
Pages: 16pp Resource Type: Serial Publication (Periodical)
Cx Number: CX2344
This edition of this bi-lingual magazine traces the history of the inshore fishermen's struggle for the right to unionize.
Abstract:
This edition of this bi-lingual magazine traces the history of the inshore fishermen's struggle for the right to unionize. It reviews the efforts of fishermen that began in the 1930s and continue into the present when, on July 15, 1981, the long-awaited legislation on collective bargaining rights for fishermen was tabled in New Brunswick. The legislation was referred to Committee and two days later the House adjourned until March, 1982.
A summary article states that the fishermen have learned several lessons from the lengthy struggle. They have become aware of the role governments play in defending the interest of a minority of wealthy fish plant owners. They believe that bi-partite and tri-partite committees are a ploy to give fishermen the impression that they have input into the legislation; meanwhile the company and government meet behind the fishermen's backs to write their own anti-union legislation. Finally, the article says that fishermen have learned how important it is to participate in the labour movement and unite with it to struggle for democratic rights for all workers.
The magazine includes a description of a videotape called "Fish or Cut Bait," in which 30 fishermen are interviewed. They argue that a trade union is essential because the fish companies have used the courts, the RCMP and government funds to maintain control of the fishery for their own profit and power. This issue also includes an interview with Guy Cormier, MFU president, and a report from fishermen who visited Nicaragua as part of a delegation of Canadian trade unionists.
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