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."

I'm not sure the league will let the players get into a position were they can strike and threaten the playing of a game. A little risky.

League will lock players out before the first game if there is not a deal.  And if they dont, they are crazy.

 

I wonder if the PA is hedging a bit, wanting a lockout over a strike, thinking it will swing public opinion in their favour.  Regardless of the results of the strike vote, if the sentiment from players is they do not want to miss games, then the PA leadership might be smart to force a lockout situation and try to leverage that to get more unity from the players.

 

Regardless, missing games is worse for the players than the owners.  Thats why the CFL will sit back and let the PA continue to negotiate against itself.  Either the PA will submit yet another offer or there will be some back channel efforts to get both sides to sit down and try to fingure out a face saving way to make a deal.

 

 

I know why the CFL isn't interested - they want cost certainty.

 

I have no idea why the PA is so determined to push this - it is not the great lottery win they think it is.  The CFLPA is really out of touch with what is going on in the league.  Also out of touch with a calculator.

 

 

The PA is determined to get revenue sharing because it would put more money in their pockets immediately.  Same reason they gave up a share of revenues in 2010 for fixed cap, in 2010 the fixed cap put more money in their pockets immediately.  The PA doesn't seem to worry about more than a couple years into the future, which usually means they are putting their future membership at a disadvantage heading into the next negotiation.

League will lock players out before the first game if there is not a deal.  And if they dont, they are crazy.

 

I wonder if the PA is hedging a bit, wanting a lockout over a strike, thinking it will swing public opinion in their favour.  Regardless of the results of the strike vote, if the sentiment from players is they do not want to miss games, then the PA leadership might be smart to force a lockout situation and try to leverage that to get more unity from the players.

 

Regardless, missing games is worse for the players than the owners.  Thats why the CFL will sit back and let the PA continue to negotiate against itself.  Either the PA will submit yet another offer or there will be some back channel efforts to get both sides to sit down and try to fingure out a face saving way to make a deal.

 

Can't see it happening on the league side.  They will continue to call the players bluff until they play their crappy hand.  The players get a little leverage by being able to walk out during the season, but not enough for the league to wipe out their own revenues.

I guess if the PA really wanted to embarrass the league they could go on strike at about 8pm on Monday.  Bombers and Argos walk off half way through the game. 

I don't see this as likely for several reasons:

 

1.  PR would be an absolute nightmare for the PA if they did this.  No chance that you would get any favourable influence from the fans for a very long time.

 

2.  Different labour laws in different provinces make job actions a tricky business.   In BC for example, a union (in the case of a strike) or the employer (in the case of a lockout) must give a couple of days notice.   The PA could really only play this trick card once, and they couldn't do it everywhere at the same time. 

 

Also of note in BC, an employer can force the union to conduct a secret ballot vote on a "final offer".  The Minister of Labour would conduct the vote, but an employer can only ask once during a negotiation, so you must use this carefully.   My company did once a couple of decades ago, as the union was representing their own interests ahead of the interests of the employees.   The union negotiator wanted several clauses inserted in the contract that had costs to the employer, but no benefit to the employees working there.   The Minister conducted a vote and the employees voted 80% in favour of the company proposal.  That negotiator was removed, and several subsequent contracts were settled in normal course. 

 

3.  Even if the PA was to adopt this tactic (not likely), I don't think that they would target Winnipeg for this.   More likely that they would pick the most influential owner, or the one in the bargaining room that pissed them off the most, or the wealthiest team (Riders?), or the biggest media market.

I thought the last proposal from the PA dropped revenue sharing.

I thought the last proposal from the PA dropped revenue sharing.

It did.

Sorry I didn't have a change to look at the latest offer.  I agree it's just a different way of getting to a number. 

 

I also don't have time to go through 600 posts to go through what everyone said.  I have been following this from the beginning, however.  

 

I agree that raising the minimum wage is the main factor;  however those getting closer to the minimum are first year players etc, and ineligible to vote in most provinces;  as well, those on the union board are usually older so all they really care about is the cap. 

 

 

 

Who said anything about players having a second job?  Thats not relevent at all. 

 

While it may not have been explicitly stated, nor from this forum (as I said I do not have time to go through all the posts), it has been said many time they get paid  $x for 6 months is reasonable for the time frame they play (insinuating they have time to earn additional money).

 

I disagree that they are living up to or past their means.  Many CFL players are just down to earth guys.  Hell, a friend of mine has Eric Fraser staying at his place....  

 

If they are willing, and determined, I think some people may be surprised on their willingness to strike.

 

People have to stop taking things so personally - just trying to show things from a different perspective.  Right perspective?  Maybe not, but a different one.

What they do the rest of the year isn't relevant. But from a pr perspective they can't plead poverty with $90,000 for six months work.

What they do the rest of the year isn't relevant. But from a pr perspective they can't plead poverty with $90,000 for six months work.

you can when your life is constantly on the line...

David William Naylor ‏@TSNDaveNaylor 1m

According to a source, strike votes have been counted on 7 of the 9 CFL teams. 98 per cent in favour of a strike. #cfl #CFLPA

 

They're having another strike vote at McMahon Stadium on Saturaday, so my educated guess is that the 2 teams that haven't voted yet are Edmonton & Calgary.

David William Naylor ‏@TSNDaveNaylor 1m

According to a source, strike votes have been counted on 7 of the 9 CFL teams. 98 per cent in favour of a strike. #cfl #CFLPA

They're having another strike vote at McMahon Stadium on Saturaday, so my educated guess is that the 2 teams that haven't voted yet are Edmonton & Calgary.

That's quite the bold prediction

 

David William Naylor ‏@TSNDaveNaylor 1m

According to a source, strike votes have been counted on 7 of the 9 CFL teams. 98 per cent in favour of a strike. #cfl #CFLPA

 

They're having another strike vote at McMahon Stadium on Saturaday, so my educated guess is that the 2 teams that haven't voted yet are Edmonton & Calgary.

 

 

Where it's reported that all the players under contract, even 1st year players,  can vote on the proposal.

@ArashMadani: BREAKING: Have learned the three #CFL teams in Ontario will have a strike "re-vote" Saturday, and now will include rookies, in prep to walk.

@ArashMadani: If strike re-vote passes in Ontario Saturday, non-Alberta #CFL players may walk Sunday, which would cancel Monday’s pre-season game in Wpg.

@ArashMadani: Have learned last #CFL proposal includes adding another playoff game if league expands to 10 teams (w/ no increase to playoff compensation).

That's not fair for first year players with the Bombers, Riders and Lions.

@ArashMadani: BREAKING: Have learned the three #CFL teams in Ontario will have a strike "re-vote" Saturday, and now will include rookies, in prep to walk.

@ArashMadani: If strike re-vote passes in Ontario Saturday, non-Alberta #CFL players may walk Sunday, which would cancel Monday’s pre-season game in Wpg.

@ArashMadani: Have learned last #CFL proposal includes adding another playoff game if league expands to 10 teams (w/ no increase to playoff compensation).

 

Why re-vote?

 

You would think that with that heavy strike support vote that was leaked, (98%) they could just do it anyway. 

@ArashMadani: BREAKING: Have learned the three #CFL teams in Ontario will have a strike "re-vote" Saturday, and now will include rookies, in prep to walk.

@ArashMadani: If strike re-vote passes in Ontario Saturday, non-Alberta #CFL players may walk Sunday, which would cancel Monday’s pre-season game in Wpg.

@ArashMadani: Have learned last #CFL proposal includes adding another playoff game if league expands to 10 teams (w/ no increase to playoff compensation).

Why re-vote?

You would think that with that heavy strike support vote that was leaked, (98%) they could just do it anyway.

Re-vote would include rookies meaning they can strike too.

 

 

@ArashMadani: BREAKING: Have learned the three #CFL teams in Ontario will have a strike "re-vote" Saturday, and now will include rookies, in prep to walk.

@ArashMadani: If strike re-vote passes in Ontario Saturday, non-Alberta #CFL players may walk Sunday, which would cancel Monday’s pre-season game in Wpg.

@ArashMadani: Have learned last #CFL proposal includes adding another playoff game if league expands to 10 teams (w/ no increase to playoff compensation).

Why re-vote?

You would think that with that heavy strike support vote that was leaked, (98%) they could just do it anyway.

Re-vote would include rookies meaning they can strike too.

 

 

But there wouldn't be enough rookies to make a difference with that overwhelming majority, unless the legislation in Ontario stipulates otherwise.

Is this re-vote due to some labour law or a choice on the part of the PA? If so does that indicate the leadership feels it needs to take the current temperature of the membership?

@ArashMadani: BREAKING: Have learned the three #CFL teams in Ontario will have a strike "re-vote" Saturday, and now will include rookies, in prep to walk.

@ArashMadani: If strike re-vote passes in Ontario Saturday, non-Alberta #CFL players may walk Sunday, which would cancel Monday’s pre-season game in Wpg.

@ArashMadani: Have learned last #CFL proposal includes adding another playoff game if league expands to 10 teams (w/ no increase to playoff compensation).

Why re-vote?

You would think that with that heavy strike support vote that was leaked, (98%) they could just do it anyway.

Re-vote would include rookies meaning they can strike too.

 

But there wouldn't be enough rookies to make a difference with that overwhelming majority, unless the legislation in Ontario stipulates otherwise.

Yeah how many rookies would there really be? 15-20 a team? Would that difference really do anything if they have 98% yes already?

If that 98% figure is true that represents the players who actually returned their ballots. We don't know how many did. Logic would dictate the voter turnout would be greater now with players actually in camp.

Further, that 98%, if true, was a vote to provide a strike mandate to union leadership to take to the negotiating table. That was a "we probably won't have to use it" scenario.

Things are more real now. The fact the PA internally was telling its members to be prepared to walk out a couple of weeks ago and nothing happened might indicate that the reality is many players had a "I'll give you the strike mandate for leverage but I ain't actually going on strike" attitude.

We shall see. If the players strike this weekend they are crazy. Wait til the games matter. If they think owners will capitulate for a couple of exhibition games they are nuts.

In general, I think it proper that all members ( including rookies) have a vote. It's their future too, maybe even more so than an aging vet. They have a small window right now to prove themselves, next year there will be more rookies coming in. Proven vets get more chances and the benefit of doubt from coaches and managers. Just look at how excited some fans get for brand name players.

I'm going to assume that they aren't voting on the owners' proposal directly, but rather a typical strike mandate to allow the PA's leadership the authority to call a strike at any time. These are often sold as "negotiation tactics" but I hope that the players fully understand what the reality of the situation is.

Except that supposedly they already voted on a strike mandate. Obviously different but my experience has been when asked to provide a strike mandate we don't get asked to do so again two weeks later.

 

What they do the rest of the year isn't relevant. But from a pr perspective they can't plead poverty with $90,000 for six months work.

you can when your life is constantly on the line...

 

Are you joking me?  RCMP salary is less than this for a whole year and their lives truly are on the line.  These guys play a game, for God's sake!

 

 

Well, if this doesn't throw a funk into the wagnells...

 

Drew Edwards……...

• one element of the labour dispute not getting enough attention is the Alberta Labour Relations Board ruling that will allow all players under contract - including first-year players - to participate in the the srike vote this weekend (and, one would assume, any ratification vote.) The CFLPA has maintained that players who have not played in a CFL game - and therefore haven't paid union dues off a game cheque - aren't eligible to vote. Now, the CFLPA has a situation where all players on two teams are voting while only vets are voting on the seven others.

The league would like all players to vote because they believe that the vast majority of first-year players won't want to strike, given that they need training camp to earn jobs.

 

Man, you Alberta folks have some weird interpretations. 

We here in Alberta like to think we don't live in some socialist utopia like you guys in Manitoba. We used to be free enterprise, pro business & anti unions. But Red Tories & closest NDPers like Ed Stelmach & Alison Redford changed all that. Now, we're just like everybody else. The Alberta Advantage is dead.

 

As a comparison of economic management, look at Norway vs Alberta. Both have the same amount of conventional petroleum reserves, but Norway has used their revenues to fund free Medicare including eye-care, psychological treatment, dentistry, physio, and pharmacare. They also have free post-secondary education for academically qualified  students and transportation infrastructure second to none. Also, no school or property taxes and they have some 50 billion dollars in various ethical investments all around the world.

And Alberta has Redford's penthouse and lot of very rich US and Chinese investors. Damn those socialists and their financial responsibilities.

 

I am tired after a long drive from Calgary to Manitoba but I am going to explain some things about this situation to you tomorrow, quoting now so I remember to do it.