Chaos as MLS referees remarkably stood down for opening weekend of 2024 season after collective bargaining agreement rejected - with league forced to bring in late replacements

The Professional Referees Organization (PRO) and Professional Soccer Referees Association (PRSA) have failed to agree a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ahead of the 2024 season. Now, as a result, PRO and MLS are set to begin the 2024 season with replacement referees on every level. PRO is the organization that employs referees for the league.

Their previous CBA expired on January 15, and they have been at the negotiating table since. Over a month's time, they came to a tentative agreement last week. However, when the PSRA members voted over the offer on the table, 95.8% of voters said "NO."

Starting February 18 at 12:01 AM, PSRA officials will be locked out and PRO will begin preparations for the first week of the season without their core officiating group.

"It's extremely disappointing that the officials have voted against the tentative agreement on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement reached by the Professional Soccer Referees Association and the Professional Referee Organization," Major League Soccer executive vice-president of sporting product & competition Nelson Rodriguez said.

"PRO worked for months and addressed all the issues that were raised by PSRA’s bargaining unit. It is also unfortunate that the PSRA rejected PRO’s offer for a mutual no strike - no lockout commitment, which would have allowed all match officials to continue working during ongoing negotiations. PRO has informed us of its contingency plan for the upcoming MLS season, which includes utilizing experienced professional match referees supported by veteran VAR officials. We are confident in the comprehensive plan they have put in place."

PRO general manager Mark Geiger said: "Time has been of the essence to conclude a fair deal and move forward together with renewed positivity ahead of our 12th year of supporting the growth of the professional game in the United States and Canada.

"We made meaningful progress during recent bargaining, agreeing to fair pay increases, and addressing many of the PSRA's concerns with respect to non-economic items. This represented approximately a 25 percent overall increase over 2023 when comparing salary, retainers, game fees, and benefits plus the addition of business class travel for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The result of the membership vote is disappointing.

"The PSRA has rejected a no strike/no lockout proposal from PRO through the 2024 MLS Cup, which, along with their public strike authorization, has created significant risk as the 2024 season begins. We are left with no choice but to institute a lockout and use qualified non-bargaining unit officials so that games can go ahead as scheduled."

“We live for this game, giving it 100 percent of our dedication, experience, fitness and ability,” Peter Manikowski, president and lead negotiator for PSRA, said. “The skyrocketing growth of MLS has significantly increased demands on officials mentally and physically, and as such has increased demands on both our professional and personal time. Our members are asking not only for fair compensation at a time when the league is reporting record growth, but also for the ability to take care of themselves on the road and at home to continue officiating at the highest level that this sport demands.”

Manikowski also revealed that it is the belief of the PSRA that replacement referees do not have the qualifications to perform at the highest level of the game in North America.

“This game evolves rapidly and play happens quickly,” Manikowski said. “We think replacement officials generally do not have the current experience and level of fitness required to do our jobs. The sport and everyone involved — players, coaches and fans — deserve referees who are the best in North America at knowing the MLS game and its current rules and applications.”

PRO's statement revealed their five-year CBA offer 'significantly improved pay and benefits for all parties,' but the PSRA member did not agree with the proposed improvements. Manikowski added that they informed PRO on the bargaining table that the tentatively agreed deal would 'fall short of expectations' when it came down to the voting process.

“Feedback from our members indicates the failed ratification was driven by issues with the compensation and benefits PRO was offering, as well as a lack of improvements to travel, scheduling and other quality-of-life issues.”

Four main improvements on the proposed CBA were shared by PRO, with increased pay starting immediately, salary and match fee increases in 2027, improved air travel for MLS Playoffs/MLS Cup and additional benefits for referee assistance.

The PSRA is compromised of approximately 260 members, and they are all employed by PRO.

The 2024 MLS season is set to kickoff in just four days, with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami hosting Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, February 21. Now, the league and PRO will have to figure out who their replacement referees will be ahead of the contest, which is followed by opening weekend three days later.