Set Line Agreement

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Set Line Agreement

Known as the Set Line Agreement, the pact between the Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association and the Union clearly defines the simple and straightforward partnership of owner, skipper, and crew.

The settlement procedure has remained essentially the same over the years. No crew share is guaranteed but is based completely on incentive. First, boat-share is taken from the gross stock, then expenses (such as ice, fuel, bait and groceries), and finally, the crew divides the remainder. For over 80 years, the Union has practiced profit-sharing, an idea that larger, national unions are now utilizing as well.

The Union follows the tradition of a tradesmen’s guild. Anyone who fishes for the first time is paid only what the whole crew, skipper included, thinks that person has earned. Trip by trip, a vote is taken. Only after receiving a full share is a fisherman considered a bona fide Union member, a "peer" in the organization.

The copy of the agreement provided on this site is for informational purposes only.

Full text of the Set Line Agreement

                                           Deep Sea Fishermen's Union            Phone: (206) 783-2922
                                   5215 Ballard Ave NW                      Fax: (206) 783-5811
                                   Seattle, WA 98107                         Email: Deep Sea Fishermen's Union

Last updated on 08/20/2008