FPI says wage rollback 'realistic'

A major shareholdersays Fishery Products International is disappointed that negotiations have again stalled with the union, and denies thatthe company'sdemand for a wage rollback derailed talks.

The company and theFish, Food and Allied Workers union returned to the bargaining table Monday after negotiations broke down two months ago. But talks quickly stalled again after the union accused the company of trying to roll back wages before negotiations even began.

However, FPI shareholder John Risley said negotiations did not depend on FFAW's acceptance of the rollback.

"It was our opening position," said Risley.

"We said we wanted a wage rollback to $11. The union said, 'We're not prepared to budge off $13.66 an hour,' and the conciliator said, 'Well, you're too far apart; there's no point in any further talks.'

"Of course we're disappointed, and we're particularly disappointed because we think the company's position is a realistic one."

Unionpresident Earle McCurdy, however, said FPI's stance on wages is unacceptable.

"That's not realistic, that's not sensible, that's not fair," said McCurdy.

"We want to get down to a proper discussion across the table with the key people in the company."

'All-out war'

Fisheries Minister Tom Rideout said the province will not interfere with negotiations, but he is concerned that FPI wants talks to fail so it can use that as an excuse to land and process fish elsewhere.

"If that's their strategy then, I mean, that is all-out war," said Rideout, "and we will participate in an all-out war with them on that basis, I can assure you."

However, Risley said FPI wants to return to the negotiating table but it will not reverse its position on a wage rollback.

"We're willing to get back to the negotiating table whenever they are," said Risley.

"But they need to understand, as we made it clear to them this week, that some wage concessions are going to be a necessary component of this agreement if there's to be one."

About 2,000 FPI workers have been without a contract forthe pastyear.