CFL players have rejected a new collective bargaining agreement with the federation.
According to the source, the CFL players voted against ratifying the agreement expected to be reached on Wednesday between the federation and the CFL Players Association. The source spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday because neither the CFL nor the CFL Players Association immediately confirmed the vote.
TSN also reported that the expected deal was rejected on Monday, citing sources.
But the news of the rejection was somewhat surprising as it was reported that one team’s players were still voting on the deal.
The CFL and CFLPA reached a tentative seven-year deal on Wednesday, four days after players from seven of the league’s nine teams went on strike. It only marked the second job stoppage in league history and the first since 1974.
The CFLPA CEO recommends accepting the deal, which includes an increase in the CFL salary ($100,000 annually starting next year) and the minimum wage (from $65,000 to $75,000 in 2027). It also includes a revenue-sharing formula for the federation and gives players the chance to have the final year of their contract guaranteed up to 50%.
And while the CBA calls for a return to buffer training _ one hour weekly during the regular season to up to 12 hours — it has extended medical coverage for retired players from three years to five. five.
The deal also calls for the number of Canadian starters to increase from seven to eight but that will include a naturalized Canadian _ an American who has spent five years in the CFL or at least three on the same team. . In addition, three other Canadian players can play up to 49% of all catches on either side of the ball.
And that has bothered many existing Canadian players, to the point where there are legitimate concerns about whether the CBA will be ratified. The rejection of the deal only created more uncertainty with the show season – which has been revised because of the previous stoppage – scheduled to start Friday night with two games.
The regular season is scheduled to begin on June 9.
What’s not clear now is what’s next and whether players will immediately go on strike, continue practicing while the league and federation return to the bargaining table, or will they be shut down by the league? It’s also unclear whether the CFLPA bargaining unit will remain intact or if a player’s rejection of a deal they’ve already agreed to means changes to that bargaining team.
On Monday, CFLPA executive member Henoc Muamba said while the deal was expected to have his backing, if it wasn’t good enough for a majority of union members, he would be willing to get back on the table. negotiate on their behalf.
“As a team representative and (union) vice president, I try to have a good feel for the room,” says Muamba. “The past few days, I have had many great conversations with a lot of guys.
“The hardest thing about a committee is you have to be representative but you also want to have a good feeling with the people in the dressing room. You want to communicate well with them so you can represent them as best you can. If things change, well, listen, you must be able to adjust quickly. ”
Muamba joined the CFLPA hierarchy in Montreal on Friday to discuss the deal with the players. Muamba is not only a former Alouette but also speaks both official languages.
The visit comes after Canadian defender Chris Ackie, a player agent for the Alouettes, suggested the deal could be rejected.
Toronto was one of seven teams to begin training camp on Thursday _ Edmonton and Calgary reported starting May 15 because they weren’t in a legal strike situation then. On the news that the deal had been rejected, Muamba said if that was indeed the case, the union would try contract negotiations started knowing that was what most members wanted.
“I think the committee would be more comfortable to push further knowing that they have the strength and confidence of members behind them,” he said.
© 2022 Canadian Press
