Maine Lobstering Union (IAM 207): Congressman Golden Again Goes Above and Beyond to Protect Livelihoods of Lobstermen

The Maine Lobstering Union (IAM 207), the only union-based cooperative in the lobstering industry, is praising Congressman Jared Golden for supporting lobstermen in Washington D.C. The operations of Lobster 207 — a co-op operated by the Maine Lobstering Union, members of IAM District 4 — were greatly harmed by a significant coastal storm in January 2024. In March, after a disaster declaration by President Biden, the Small Business Administration enabled those affected to apply for physical disaster and economic injury disaster loans.

Lobster 207 first applied for an SBA loan in March and was told it would take 21 days for the application to be fully considered. Throughout the process, Lobster 207 faced several challenges and delays due to inefficiencies with SBA’s application and portal used to process applications.

“Congressman Golden intervened immediately and directly on our behalf,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David T. Sullivan. “He sent letters, met with the SBA administrator and questioned the deputy administrator. The Congressman worked tirelessly on behalf of Lobster 207 to ensure the timely distribution of loan funds to support the work Maine lobstermen. We couldn’t be more grateful for Congressman Golden’s consistent championing of the Maine lobstermen and the communities that rely on this critical industry.”

In early September, Lobster 207 received notice of their SBA loan approval.

“After the major back-to-back storms last winter, when red tape got in the way of relief for Maine lobstermen, including Lobster 207, it was only Congressman Golden who showed up, cut the tape and followed through,”said Michael Yohe, CEO of Lobster 207.

“Maine lobstermen work hard even in the face of tough conditions, and when disaster strikes, they deserve a government response that is smooth, predictable and timely,” said Golden, a member of the House Small Business Committee. “I’m pleased that Lobster 207 has finally received the support it needs in the wake of last winter’s extreme coastal storms, and will continue working to improve these processes for Mainers.”  

“Thank you to Congressman Golden for supporting Maine lobstermen,” said Joel Strout, president of the Maine Lobstering Union.“This disaster support keeps our lobstermen working and our communities thriving.”