FIFPro news
FIFPro backs MLS players ready to go to strike
Friday 12 March
A strike in the MLS is closer than ever, can be concluded after statements of MLS Players’ Union executive director Bob Foose and Toronto FC player Nick Garcia. FIFPro fully supports the MLS Players' Union.
Foose released his statement on Thursday, reflecting on the still ongoing negotiations about a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the MLS. Players and league are still far apart, even though the old CBA expired on 25 February and the new season will start on 25 March. Both parties has resumed talks earlier this week assisted by a special mediator.
‘Recent comments from players simply reflect the fact that the players are unified and, per the results of our strike vote, will not begin the new season if a new agreement with the league is not reached’, said Foose. ‘This is not a change in position by the union and should not be read to reflect in any way upon what has, or has not, occurred this week in the meetings with the mediator and the league.’
Recently MLS commissioner Don Garber had suggested the new season could start under the terms of the expired CBA. But the players are not willing to do that, emphasized Garcia, defender and union representative of Toronto FC. ‘We're not prepared do that. That's one thing we are not going to do. We are prepared and willing to not start the season with the current CBA.’
Garcia expressed himself via the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. ‘We are united as a union and if we need to strike, we will. We're anticipating not having the season starting [on time, cbc]. As of now, for us, we're very far apart, even with the mediator there in Washington D.C. We're hoping things can get done, but quite frankly I don't think we're confident things will.’
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