Roger Goodell (photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The deadline for a new agreement between the NFL and the players Union ended Friday night, the NFLPA decertified, and lock-out was introduced. The NFL feels they've done a good offer, but the Union didn't think it was enough.
"The fastest way to a fair agreement is for the Union and clubs to continue in the process of mediation. Unfortunately, the players ' Union notified our offices at 4 pm ET on Friday, that it "decertified" and walked away from the mediation and collective bargaining, to initiate the anti-trust is threatening to file. In an effort to win a fair agreement clubs offered a deal that would have no adverse financial impact on veteran players in the early years and meet the financial requirements of players in recent years.
Union left a lot on the table. It included an offer to bridge the differences in compensation for the player, which existed in the negotiations on the distribution of the difference; to guarantee the redistribution of savings from the first round of new veterans and retirees without negative influence on compensation for rounds 2-7; to ensure the reduction of compensation for Veterans; introduce new year-round health and safety regulations; keep the current format is 16-4 season in at least two years, any subsequent changes shall be subject to the approval of the League and the Union; and introduce a new Legacy Fund for retired players (82 million dollars contributed to the owner in the next two years).
The Union offered a financial publication of audited League and Club profitability information, nor is it shared with the NFL clubs.
Enhanced health and safety rules, it will include a reduction in the season of programmes for five weeks (from 14 to nine) and OTAs (organized team activities) from 14 to 10; significant reduction in the amount of contact in practice; and other changes.
At a time when thousands of workers fighting for their right to collective bargaining, the Union has decided to leave the collective bargaining illusion "decertification" and anti-trust. The maneuver of the dispute is certainly built on the false premise that the NFLPA ceased to be a Union, and will delay the process of reaching an agreement.
NFL clubs remain committed to collective bargaining and federal mediation, until agreement is reached. NFL calls on the Union to immediately return to the negotiations. NFL players, clubs and fans, to the agreement. The only place where you can get them to the negotiating table.
From June 2009 21 months ago, the NFL clubs made a series of comprehensive and detailed proposals and counterclaims; negotiated in dozens of formal meetings and small group meetings; and engaged in a series of intensive negotiating sessions over the past three weeks, under the auspices of George Cohen, Director of the federal mediation and conciliation services. We have confirmed are Director Cohen our commitment to the process of the federal mediation until agreement is reached.
Objectives in the NFL clubs were clear from the beginning. In many respects, is flawed by reason of the current CBA, and the system must be improved to ensure the continuing growth and innovation and a better future for the NFL, players and fans.
Clubs are willing to make the many amendments proposed by the Union, and that have modified their economic proposals in many ways. We need an agreement – looking back two, four or 10 years--both parties recognized as a fair, intelligent, good for the game and for all concerned, including the players, fans, clubs.
Unfortunately, the Union leadership has stepped out and refuses to participate in collective bargaining. The Union has insisted on continuing the unsustainable status quo, not to agree on a reasonable edit, which reflect a new economic reality we all experienced. The Status quo would also mean no improvement for retired players, too much money on a handful of startups, and improve our drug programs, no changes were made.
Leaving the Union forced clubs to take action, the negotiation power wanted to avoid. On the recommendation of the Executive Committee of the Administrative Council under the leadership of has been transferred to the clubs of the League has informed the Union, that it takes a difficult, but necessary step of exercising its rights under the Federal Labour Code to store the lock of the Union. Clubs are committed to continue to act until the agreement has been reached and will be happy to continue to cooperate with the FMC.
The clubs believe that this step is the most effective way to accelerate efforts to reach a new agreement, without the interruption of the period of 2011. The clubs want to continue the negotiations aimed to achieve a fair agreement as soon as possible. Our goal is to find common ground and resolve problems with the Union. Therefore, we ask the Union to continue the negotiations with a federal mediator. Negative consequences for players and clubs will continue to escalate, it wants to reach agreement.
Our message is: we know that you are not interested in disruption to your enjoyment of the NFL. We know that you want to football. You'll have football. It will be resolved. It is our task as soon as possible, and with the players were introduced to improve the collective agreement, which builds on the success of our past and the future of football and the NFL even better – for teams, players and fans.
We have great respect for the fans. We have great respect for our players. We have great respect for the traditions of the game and the NFL. We'll do everything we can adequately ensure that the focus returns to the soccer field as soon as possible. "
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