John Xifares, born on April 14, 1936, in New Bedford, is a retired superior court judge with a rich family background rooted in Greece and the New Bedford fishing industry. Before his tenure as a judge, Xifares was a lawyer, representing fish lumpers, seafood workers, and teamsters who represented fishermen for about a decade. His legal career also included serving as co-council for health and welfare funds and pension funds for these unions. Xifares' early life was closely tied to the fishing industry, with his family owning several bars on the waterfront and a couple of fishing boats. He himself fished one summer during college and later tended bar at his family's establishment, where he became acquainted with many fishermen.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with John Xifares, conducted by Janice Fleuriel on September 22, 2006, provides a unique perspective on the decline of unions in the fishing industry and its impact on fishermen, seafood workers, and lumpers. Xifares discusses his personal and professional background, including his Greek heritage, his family's involvement in the New Bedford fishing industry, and his legal career representing various unions. He also shares his insights on the working conditions, average income, and the number of people working on fish vessels. The interview also covers Xifares' work as a superior court judge, where he occasionally dealt with cases related to the fishing industry. He discusses the impact of government regulations on the fishing industry, particularly on crew sizes and harvesting schedules. Xifares also reflects on specific incidents from his career, such as the 1981 seafood workers' strike, which he describes as a tragic event that led to the loss of health and pension benefits for many workers. The interview provides valuable insights into the challenges and changes in the fishing industry from the perspective of a legal professional with personal ties to the industry.