UPDATE: CRAB PAYMENTS MOVING FORWARD; EXPEDITED ARBITRATION FORTHCOMING

All invoices for 5-8oz sections are being submitted to Deloitte and the auditing company will do two calculations: one for 30lbs boxes and one for all sales of 5-8oz sections.

In the interest of getting money in harvesters’ pockets as quickly as possible, the rebate will be paid based on sales of 30 lb bulk boxes.

The union is proceeding to arbitration to settle any remaining rebate due based on sales of all 5-8oz sections. We remain confident that the recent decision of the Panel chair to allow the calculation to be based only on 30lb bulk boxes blatantly goes against the submission won earlier this year. The Panel has no authority to change the terms of the agreement.

Ministers O’Driscoll and Goosney have committed to expedited arbitration, and their departments are assisting in the selection of an arbitrator.

While this is not the ideal outcome, this is the best option available to ensure rebates are paid out as soon as possible.