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Fishermen’s Protective Union (Newfoundland)

Fisherman's Protective Union

contributed by Jan Mertens, 2 November 2005
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundlands

Red Initial flag

image by Ivan Sache, 4 November 2005
Source: st-johns.nf.ca

Blue Initial flag (reconstruction)

image by Ivan Sache, 4 November 2005

See also:

Newfoundland

One of the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s on-line exhibits is dedicated to the Fishermen’s Protective Union of Newfoundland, once based at Port Union:

Founded by William Coaker in 1908, the FPU quickly became an essential voice for Newfoundland fishermen (…). Its objective was to lessen the exploitation of fishermen by merchants who controlled the industry. Fishermen had to receive a larger return for their production, or, as the FPU motto put it, "To Each His Own." The Union soon formed its own trading company and also launched a political party. The FPU was the first and perhaps most successful attempt to challenge the established order in Newfoundland.

From the access page proper (select English / French) showing, in greater detail than on the first page, the striking union flag. The flag appears on the cover of a brochure on the union’s history, published before 1920.

On a field of sea-green is placed a large red letter "U" stretched to encompass a fish looking to the hoist; under the "U" are white initials "FPU" separated by two dots, also white.

For a different rendition (black/white) see the last picture on this page or heritage.nf.ca

At st-johns.nf.ca is a page showing a simple red flag with white FPU initials.

The letters F.P.U. on this flag stand for the Fisherman's Protective Union. This red and white cotton home made flag was part of the regalia of the Western Bay, Newfoundland Fisherman's Protective Union chapter. The flag dates from circa 1913-1920. It is about 3 feet by 4 feet. It was once accompanied by a similar flag that has a deep blue background. The second flag has been destroyed. Photo by H. Pinsent 1999.

Jan Mertens, 2 November 2005

This was a "Newfoundland" group, before Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949.

The fish in the logo is probably a codfish, since cod are the main catch.
Dean McGee, 8 November 2005