MEDIA RELEASE: FFAW Wins Grievance Against ASP on 2023 Snow Crab Tolerance Payment
August 6, 2024
MEDIA RELEASE:
FFAW Wins Grievance Against ASP on 2023 Snow Crab Tolerance Payment
ST. JOHN’S, NL – August 6, 2024 – FFAW-Unifor is pleased to announce a significant victory in its grievance against the Association of Seafood Producers (ASP) regarding the 2023 snow crab tolerance payment dispute. This decision marks a pivotal moment in ensuring fair treatment and compensation for fish harvesters – with approximately $3.3 million expected to be paid out to harvesters.
The arbitration hearing, held on April 15 and June 17, 2024, concluded with Arbitrator James C. Oakley, K.C., ruling in favor of FFAW yesterday afternoon on August 5, 2024. The grievance centered around ASP’s failure to honor the 20% tolerance for <4” crab as agreed upon in the May 19, 2023 Crab Agreement.
“ASP tried to shortchange fish harvesters during last year’s snow crab fishery by refusing to honour a longstanding 20% tolerance agreement following the extended tie-up and subsequent agreement. Despite strong legal and historical precedent, ASP refused to honour the 20% tolerance during the 2023 fishery and as a result thousands of fish harvesters were paid less than was rightfully deserved,” explains FFAW-Unifor President Greg Pretty. “We are pleased that the arbitrator recognized the poor faith, retaliatory behaviour exhibited by ASP and we are looking forward to getting that money back into harvesters’ pockets as soon as possible,” says Pretty.
Details on how and when repayments will be provided are expected by the end of this week and will be communicated to snow crab harvesters as soon as available.
“Our Union has repeatedly highlighted the flaws in the current arbitration process for the fishing industry. The process must be fast-tracked given the seasonal nature of the industry, and the need to resolve last year’s grievances before negotiating the next year’s prices,” Pretty says.
“Although we would have liked for this to have been resolved back in 2023, we are very satisfied with the arbitrator’s decision, which reaffirms the necessity of upholding agreements and treating fish harvesters with the respect and fairness they deserve. This victory demonstrates the power of solidarity and the critical role of collective bargaining in safeguarding the interests of our members,” concludes Pretty.
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Media inquiries:
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Courtney Glode (she/her)
Director of Public Affairs
FFAW-Unifor
T: 709-576-7276
M: 709-743-4445
368 Hamilton Ave.
St. John’s NL A1E 1K2