The Service & Food Workers Union wants a Government inquiry into the fishing industry, saying joint ventures between New Zealand and foreign companies are costing jobs.
The union says large New Zealand companies including Sealord and Sanford are using joint venture arrangements with foreign fishers to avoid employing New Zealand workers.
It says more than 2000 visas have been issued to foreign fishermen in the past year to work on joint venture vessels in New Zealand waters.
It says New Zealanders were not employed, because foreign crews cost half as much.
The union says companies should be regulated to employ at least half New Zealand crews.
It wants a select committee inquiry into joint venture charters.
The union launched a petition in Nelson on Tuesday, with support from the Labour, Maori and Green parties.
