(just a few of the harvesters outside Acadian Seaplants in Yarmouth Monday-CJLS News photo)
Harvesters who sell rockweed and seaweed to Acadian Seaplants in Yarmouth are on strike.
About 105 independent harvesters, from Yarmouth and Shelburne counties, began their action today, saying they are among the lowest paid in the industry.
They have gathered outside the Acadian Seaplants facility in Yarmouth County.
Marcel Southern says the company has offered them $53 per tonne for rockweed, but he says they want $55 before they’ll return to work.
“A lot of us would like a counter offer to see if we can get a couple of dollars more. We’re self-employed, so we have to supply our boat, motor, rakes plus insurance and we have to pay own CPP.”
Many of them are lobster fishermen who work during the summer.
Southern says they’ll keep up the job action until they get a fair price.
He says group of harvesters are talking with the company, trying to negotiate a better price.
A call from our newsroom to Acadian Seaplants head office had not been returned by the time this story was posted.
