Vyvlander Fishing Association
| File:Vezvryneng.png | |
| Abbreviation | VVV |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1743 |
| Type | Trade union |
| Headquarters | Strossen, Vyvland |
Membership | 275,000 |
Chief Fisherman | Piter Seelmeker |
| Website | www.vvv.vy |
The Vyvlander Fishing Association (Vyvlander: Vyvluder Vezvryneng, pronounced /vʏvlədəɾ veʒvryːneŋ/) is a major Vyvlander trade union for workers in maritime industries. With over a quarter of a million members, it is the third-largest Vyvlander trade union by number of members after Ynid and the Public Sector Solidarity Front. Contrary to the implications of its name, the union is open to workers not just in fishing, but also in shipping and dock work - the latter two industries account for the vast majority of current members. The VVV controversially employs a closed shop policy, being the largest Vyvlander trade union to do this. The union has significant political importance due to its economic position, with ties to the Socialist Party and, to a lesser extent, the United Left and Rural Movement.
The VVV holds considerable power in Vyvland's economy and politics due to its ability to easily shut off the majority of supply routes into and out of Vyvland should it call a strike. Thus, it has been able to secure significant concessions from many political leaders, such as investment into port towns and higher taxes on imports by air. The union's closed-shop practices, although widely disliked, are rarely criticised by politicians due to the potential for disruption if a strike were to be called.
The VVV is commonly agreed to be Vyvland's first labour organisation, being set up by the government in 1743 as a confederation of fishermen in Vyvland, in order to ensure the efficient distribution of fish - at that time the main source of protein for the Vyvlander population - to towns and cities across the country. From 1770, it was made mandatory for fishermen to join the VVV. This was expanded to all shipping workers in 1846 as a measure designed to fight the widespread smuggling of goods into the country. Until the middle of the twentieth century, non-unionised maritime workers could be imprisoned. The VVV continued to operate in both North Vyvland and South Vyvland, although it was split into separate branches for each nation.
In addition to its union activities, the VVV owns one third of the shares in popular Vyvlander fast food fish restaurant Hektsee.