FFAW-Unifor President Keith Sullivan announced Thursday he is stepping down as head of the Union.

Sullivan has served as President since 2014 and has no immediate employment plans. Since the vacancy is occurring between an election period, an election will be held among the FFAW’s Joint Council to elect a new President.

“I’m proud of the difference this organization has made for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The NL commercial fishery is now valued at over $1 billion each year,” Sullivan said in a statement. “This value is due in no small part to the collective action of fish harvesters, who stood in solidarity for a fair fishery and a better life 51 years ago, and those who have continued to do it every year and every day since. Thank you to the members who fight to make their workplaces and their communities better. We have tremendous leadership throughout our province and talented, dedicated staff who will ensure the FFAW continues to grow and a be a strong voice for workers and our coastal communities.”  

Sullivan will complete a one-month transition period before he leaves FFAW-Unifor permanently.

The election dates are as follows:

Nomination Period Opens – December 15, 2022

Nomination Period Closes – December 29, 2022

Election at Joint Council Meeting – January 5, 2023

The next general election takes place in 2024, at which time if the position is contested, a full membership election will take place.