Media Advisory - News conference to sound alarm on B.C. salmon fishery crisis

VANCOUVER, Sept. 9, 2019 /CNW/ - Fish harvesters and allied workers from British Columbia's coast are sounding the alarm about an unfolding disaster in the salmon fishing industry that has led to widespread closures and economic hardship.

"Small coastal communities are suffering from the worst commercial fishing season in fifty years," said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Region Director. "No matter the region and no matter the salmon species, runs have plummeted. It's a crisis and governments must act to support workers and their communities."

Unifor says that as climate change continues to make systemic impacts on ecosystems and marine life, workers in the commercial fishing industry should have access to disaster relief or extended unemployment supports.

WHAT:	News conference to discuss B.C. salmon fishery crisis
WHO:	Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director; Tony Roberts, Native Brotherhood of B.C.; John Helin, former gillnetter and current Mayor of Lax Kw'alaams; Bob Chamberlain, previous Vice President Union of BC Indian Chiefs and NDP candidate for Nanaimo—Ladysmith; Joy Thorkelson, President of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers' Union
WHEN:	Monday, September 9 at 1 p.m. Pacific Time
WHERE:	Unifor Regional Office, first floor at 326 12^th Street, New Westminster, B.C.

For those who cannot attend in person, the news conference will be streamed live on Unifor Canada's Facebook page: Facebook.com/uniforcanada

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

SOURCE Unifor

For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at [email protected] or 778-903-6549 (cell).

Related Links

http://www.unifor.org