Port Union in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Bonavista Peninsula stands out as a quintessential “union town,” distinctively founded and operated by a labor union. The brainchild behind this unique community was William F. Coaker, a passionate union organizer who initiated his first strike at the young age of 13 due to exploitative labor practices he witnessed along St. John’s harborfront.
Coaker’s vision for Port Union stemmed from his profound concern for the mistreatment of rural fishing families by the merchant class, who subjected them to perpetual debt through the “truck system.” This system allowed merchants to manipulate prices, keeping the fishers indebted and withholding fair compensation for their labor. In response, Coaker established the Fishermen’s Protective Union (FPU) in 1908, aiming to empower outport Newfoundlanders through education, self-representation, and fair policies.
The FPU took strategic actions such as publishing the Fishermen’s Advocate newspaper, which provided crucial market information to help fishermen negotiate better pay. Additionally, the union established its trading company to ensure fair prices for fishing gear and direct payment to members for their catch. Through advocacy for minimum wages, public education, and political representation, the FPU made significant strides in improving the lives of rural workers.
In 1915, facing the need for a dedicated headquarters, Coaker purchased an 80-acre coastal site in Trinity Bay to build Port Union. The town swiftly flourished with commercial properties, residential duplexes, and essential amenities, reflecting the union’s commitment to providing a high standard of living for its members. Despite facing challenges such as the 1992 cod moratorium, which led to economic decline and population loss, Port Union’s legacy as a National Historic District endures, showcasing the enduring impact of the FPU’s fight for social justice and fair labor practices.