http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/cfl/cflpa-preparing-for-potential-labour-stoppage/

 

"Believing they have reached an impasse after four months of negotiations with the Canadian Football League, the CFL Players’ Association is recommending its membership proceed with a strike vote, Sportsnet has learned.

The collective bargaining agreement between the league and players expires May 30, on the eve of training camp. And while both sides are scheduled to meet this Thursday and Friday in Toronto, documents obtained by Sportsnet indicate the union is readying itself for a potential labour stoppage.

“It is the position of your Negotiating Committee that the position of the CFL in relation to almost all matters and their refusal to have the cap in some way connected to revenue are unreasonable,” reads an internal memo written by CFLPA President Scott Flory and distributed to all CFL players last Friday. “As a result, we are recommending that the Players proceed with a strike vote.”

Flory, who did not immediately respond to Sportsnet’s request for comment, has previously stated that the union will not play the 2014 season under terms of the expiring CBA, while both sides negotiate.

Sources told Sportsnet that when the two sides broke on May 2, the league, which declined comment for this story, said it would return this week with further input from governors/owners on making progress toward a new economic model.

Since talks began in February, the CFLPA has been steadfast in its pursuit of revenue sharing, something that wasn’t included in the 2010 deal but has existed between the league and the CFLPA in the past. The league’s negotiation committee has not budged from its stance of having a fixed cap.

At the centre of the debate is a new television deal, reportedly worth $40 million this coming season. The current deal is worth $15.3 million.

Last season’s salary cap was $4.4 million and proposals obtained by Sportsnet show the CFL has offered the following when it comes to player compensation:

2014 – $4,500,000.00
2015 – $4,600,000.00
2016 – $4,650,000.00
2017 – $4,700,000.00
2018 – $4,750,000.00
2019 – $4,800,000.00
2020 – $4,900,000.00
2021 – $5,000,000.00

There are several other points of contention. The CFLPA has proposed a minimum annual player salary of $55,000—with a 10 percent increase annually. The league countered with a $46,000 minimum, which caps at $49,000 in 2021.

The union has proposed practice roster players make no less than $1,000 a week (or $18,000 per season). The league has countered with $750/week, but to increase the practice roster size to 12, from seven, and implement “two-way” contracts, making it easier for teams to release players.

The union is also pushing for an increase to post-season playoff share, and a hike to the Grey Cup bonus cheque, which the league has refused.

One area the two sides have come to terms on is the increase in roster size–from 42 to 44 on game day. The extra two spots would be occupied by a non-import and one designated import. The reserve list would drop from four per game to two.

The CFL has proposed an eight-year collective bargaining agreement, double the length of the current deal. The union wants the duration to be “subject to negotiation.”

A source tied to the league, speaking on the condition of anonymity, believes the tactic of the league and its governors/owners is patience—the thinking being that the union will eventually give in once the risk of losing pay is a legitimate possibility."

If Mark Cohon being there is pushing this negotiation towards a conclusion, then good on the Commish.

Good news all around for sure. Cohon always seems like a moron with that stupid grin on his face all the time but I'll bet there's a hardass in there someplace...

Good news all around for sure. Cohon always seems like a moron with that stupid grin on his face all the time but I'll bet there's a hardass in there someplace...

All the breaks today are probably so Cohon can keep hitting the tanning salon.

I'm betting on a resolution late today or tomorrow.

I'm betting on a resolution late today or tomorrow.

Before Sunday would be my guess.

i like these all "day" "night" type of negotiations, this is how the NHL solved theres. Basically got an announcement at like 1am or so our time telling us the "lockout" was over.

 

I remember watching it and seeing bettman and fehr walk out basically holding hands acting like they were the best of friends.

 

Suspect this gets done by sunday, maybe even friday.

There will be a significant amount of pressure to get this done today, or into the wee hours overnight.

 

Players flying into town while in labour limbo just isn't good for them or for the teams.  No one wants to spend time or money on uncertain projects.  

 

I don't see it stretching into the weekend, but labour negotiations can be very tricky, so I'm not placing any bets. 

 

I laugh, though, when hearing some people discribing the process, as they keep meeting, breaking, meeting, breaking.  Some seem to feel that unless they are in the same room talking that it isn't moving.  I've done labour negotiating for 30 years or so, and that's how this dance works.   You make a proposal, and answer questions regarding the proposal....then the other side says "give us some time to consider it" so either you or they leave the room.   They discuss the proposal, track the progression of the talks, and formulate a counter proposal.  Then you meet again, and they present their counter proposal, and answer questions, and you say "give us some time to consider it"....and the process repeats itsself.   You don't actually sit face to face for hours on end argueing.   So long as they are in the same building, albeit in different rooms, the process continues.

Got a feeling they will be close enough camps open on time with no deal in place.

Got a feeling they will be close enough camps open on time with no deal in place.

 

No deal means current CBA remains in effect does it not.

 

Unless the CFLPA calls for a strike vote prior to camps opening (which means shits gone REALLY BAD) camps will open with vets coming in

 

Got a feeling they will be close enough camps open on time with no deal in place.

 

No deal means current CBA remains in effect does it not.

 

Unless the CFLPA calls for a strike vote prior to camps opening (which means shits gone REALLY BAD) camps will open with vets coming in

 

 

Don't think so.  I believe the players have said they wouldn't play without an agreement.  That may change if the two sides are close.

 

Got a feeling they will be close enough camps open on time with no deal in place.

 

No deal means current CBA remains in effect does it not.

 

Unless the CFLPA calls for a strike vote prior to camps opening (which means shits gone REALLY BAD) camps will open with vets coming in

 

 

I believe this is the case. They will abide by the old contract unless a strike vote is called.

There will be a significant amount of pressure to get this done today, or into the wee hours overnight.

 

Players flying into town while in labour limbo just isn't good for them or for the teams.  No one wants to spend time or money on uncertain projects.  

 

I don't see it stretching into the weekend, but labour negotiations can be very tricky, so I'm not placing any bets. 

 

I laugh, though, when hearing some people describing the process, as they keep meeting, breaking, meeting, breaking.  Some seem to feel that unless they are in the same room talking that it isn't moving.  I've done labour negotiating for 30 years or so, and that's how this dance works.   You make a proposal, and answer questions regarding the proposal....then the other side says "give us some time to consider it" so either you or they leave the room.   They discuss the proposal, track the progression of the talks, and formulate a counter proposal.  Then you meet again, and they present their counter proposal, and answer questions, and you say "give us some time to consider it"....and the process repeats itself.   You don't actually sit face to face for hours on end arguing.   So long as they are in the same building, albeit in different rooms, the process continues.

This is what happens when you give people rooms, free food and per diems. Lock 'em up without food or a bathroom and you'd have an agreement in about three hours.

I'd cave inside 20 minutes.

I'd cave inside 20 minutes.

This is actually a good way to get rid of unwanted callers very quickly- just tell them that your john is clogged and you're waiting for the plumber. That'll get them focused on their bladders and they will be gone in a half hour.

CFLPA offer of $5.8M cap increasing by 3% each year was just rejected by the CFL, per Madani.

Offer also asked for $15k one time payment to each veteran player. CFL walked out rather than counter.

without knowing all the other details, this doesn't sound like good news at all.

CFLPA offer of $5.8M cap increasing by 3% each year was just rejected by the CFL, per Madani.

I think that takes it close to $7 million by end of contract. 

 

What was the CFL's offer?  What is the cap now?  What does $5.8 represent percentage wise.  Compared to the CFL's offer (which I think was 9% increase), split the difference and play ball.

Offer also asked for $15k one time payment to each veteran player. CFL walked out rather than counter.

I bet the young players will be happy to vote for strike now knowing the veterans angled for a payday for themselves.  The CFL should counter with something that speaks to the younger players/rookies etc and drive a wedge.

 

Offer also asked for $15k one time payment to each veteran player. CFL walked out rather than counter.

I bet the young players will be happy to vote for strike now knowing the veterans angled for a payday for themselves.  The CFL should counter with something that speaks to the younger players/rookies etc and drive a wedge.

 

 

Keep in mind for the purpose of this discussion, I'm pretty sure "veterans" means anyone who is not a first year player.

Madani now says memos have been sent out by the PA to the players to expect a strike.

Bunch of idiots.

Don't try to drive a wedge, that's ridiculous. Meet somewhere in the middle and be done with it. A strike hurts the league big time. This won't end well if the CFL tries to bully the PA and vice versa. Just suck it up, get a deal done, 15k per each vet? do it, who cares, you will make 15 k back in 5 minutes of ticket sales really, well no but you get the point.. It wont take long to make that money back.

 

CFL seems to being a little stubborn and pig headed here from the sounds of it, however, you need to remember that it does appear madani is very very PRO PA for some reason so gotta take what he tweets with a bit of a grain of salt.

Screw both sides.

I agree.. SCREW THEM BOTH.