Third candidate joins race for FFAW presidency despite odds stacked against them

Democratic elections in the labour movement should not be the foregone conclusions that they (Greg) Pretty much are, but that hasn't stopped a second fisherman, Dave Callahan of St. George's, from stepping forward to challenge the FFAW executive's unanimous choice.

Dave Sullivan (left), a Level 1 inshore fisherman from St. George's, joins Bay Bulls enterprise owner Jason Sullivan (centre) in taking on long-time FFAW staffer Greg Pretty for presidency of the FFAW-Unifor. An election will be held Jan. 5th, 2023. Sullivan has taken a leave of absence from his position as President of SEA-NL.

Callahan, who describes himself as a member of the FFAW in good standing, said the trend of big companies making all the money from the fishery must change in favour of the inshore fleet.

"I might not stand a chance, but I'm going to give them something to think about for sure," says Callahan, who fishes snow crab and lobster.

Within hours of former FFAW President Keith Sullivan announcing his resignation earlier this month after eight years at the helm, the union's executive board unanimously endorsed Greg Pretty for the job.

Only the 60-odd elected representatives on the FFAW's joint council — made up of the inshore and industrial/offshore councils —  will vote for the next president. (The same way Jason Spingle was elected secretary-treasurer in September.)

The likelihood that the joint council will vote for a candidate other than Pretty is a long shot, but must be encouraged.

The election is slated for Jan. 5th.

Ryan Cleary,

Executive Director, SEA-NL

Seaward Enterprises Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (SEA-NL) is a professional, non-profit organization serving as the distinct voice for licensed, independent owner-operator inshore fish harvesters. You can read more about SEA-NL, and join us here.