|
|
Mediator To Facilitate CBA Negotiations Between MLS And Players Union
Neutral party added to talks.
Mar 5, 2010 9:14:00 PM
By Zac Lee Rigg
A mediator will join the collective bargaining agreement negotiations scheduled to resume next week, MLS confirmed.
The league and the Players Union couldn't reach an agreement and allowed the current CBA to lapse in February. Large gulfs exist between the positions of each side, particularly on the issue of free agency, though the union has refrained from a strike and the league won't lock out its players.
"I don't think any of our players want to go on strike, and we are taking their issues very seriously," MLS commissioner Don Garber told the Associated Press. "The expectations are that the season will start on time, and the expectation is we will reach agreement with our players."
To facilitate that goal, George H. Cohen, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, will mediate discussions next week.
Currently, the opening match of the 2010 season is schedule for March 25.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
The league and the Players Union couldn't reach an agreement and allowed the current CBA to lapse in February. Large gulfs exist between the positions of each side, particularly on the issue of free agency, though the union has refrained from a strike and the league won't lock out its players.
"I don't think any of our players want to go on strike, and we are taking their issues very seriously," MLS commissioner Don Garber told the Associated Press. "The expectations are that the season will start on time, and the expectation is we will reach agreement with our players."
To facilitate that goal, George H. Cohen, the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, will mediate discussions next week.
Currently, the opening match of the 2010 season is schedule for March 25.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page
Inside Goal.Com
-
EURO 2012: Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi and Van Persie named in Goal.com's dream team XI
Goal.com put together its dream team for this summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.