Members of the Professional Soccer Referees Association voted unanimously Tuesday to allow union leaders to call a strike, a move aimed at putting pressure on Major League Soccer’s professional referees organization during negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement.
The PSRA CBA expired on January 15 but has been extended until January 31, and a lockout or strike would jeopardize the MLS season scheduled to begin on February 21. During the 2014 CBA negotiations, the PRO team imposed a two-week lockup before the deal was finalized. receipt.
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“We knew frustration levels were high, as these officials were not benefiting from the growth of our sport and the PSRA was forced to file an unfair labor practice charge to address alleged direct dealing committed by some PRO managers,” Peter Manikowski, president and PSRA negotiator, said in a press release.
“PSRA officials are committed professionals focused on mastering their craft. However, since the focus must be on bargaining in order to reach a new collective agreement, the PSRA has had to address the PRO’s alleged unfair labor practices, which undermine the negotiation process.”
More than 250 PSRA officials work primarily in MLS, and their previous CBA was ratified in February 2019.
Pending issues include compensation and benefits; Scheduling, boot camps and other influences on quality of life; And I travel.
“Officials live for the game,” Manikowski said. “They demand that they bargain with each other fairly and according to the law. We know what justice looks like; that’s what we do. Our members see this strike license as a way to blow the whistle on PRO’s alleged unfair labor practices.”
“Our members are prepared to exercise all legal options to protect the rights of officials everywhere – and, in doing so, to protect the game we all passionately believe in.”
Current temperature in the referees’ locker room #Cotton pot For tonight #MLS game with #FCDallas And #InterMiami.
Meanwhile, players (yes, including… #Messi) They have heat.
Support us. We live for the game. pic.twitter.com/A2pqNVqM4i
— PSRA Officials (@PSRAofficials) January 22, 2024
PSRA officials tweeted a photo Tuesday night of the thermostat in their locker room for the FC Dallas-Inter Miami CF exhibition game that showed the temperature at 42 degrees Fahrenheit with a message saying: “Current temperature in referees’ locker room for the #CottonBowl” game #MLS tonight with #FCDallas and #InterMiami. Meanwhile, players (yes, including #Messi) are feeling the heat. Support us. We live for the game.”
according to The athlete Sources say the two sides are “closer” than they were two weeks ago.
The PRO is responsible for managing referee programs in North America as well as assigning referees to work matches in MLS, NASL, USL, and NWSL. It is funded by MLS and the United States Soccer Federation.
