Major League Soccer and the players Union have agreed to continue negotiations through February 12th as they work towards reaching a collective bargaining agreement.
“While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach an agreement,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “This extension provides both MLS and the players the opportunity to continue to our discussions while clubs are in training camps preparing for the 2010 MLS season.”
“Both the Players Union and MLS have concluded that a new agreement will not be reached by February 1, but we have agreed to continue to talk and we will be meeting over the next two weeks to determine if a new agreement can be reached,” said Players Union Executive Director Bob Foose. “In the meantime, MLS Players are reporting to training camp, and preparations for the 2010 season will continue.
The current CBA agreement expires on January 31st.
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On the home front the Dynamo will start their pre-season on Monday with manager Dominic Kinnear, striker Brian Ching and midfielder Brad Davis addressing the media after.
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Glenn- Very frustrating that this CBA stuff is not a done deal and behind us.
Owners and players can’t afford to insult their fan base with a strike or lock – out.
Get it done, so we can focus on all the good things coming this season.
Not knowing the behind the scenes makes this a very critical piece at this moment. At least they agreed on an extension
Kiss of death is any extended lockout.
I take this as a very positive sign. First, MLSPU tells players to report to camp. Second, several consecutive days of marathon negotiations followed by two-week extension of the CBA deadline. From a practical perspective, if either side felt that the negotiations were failing, they wouldn’t have agreed ot the extension. There would be no point. Just walk away from the table and let the chips fall where they may. It’s not like anyone’s thinking that there’s some intractable issue that’s been incapable of resolution in the months of negotiation that will suddenly and miraculously resolve with a 12 day extension. Obviously, they’re close enough that 12 days will give them time to nail down the details.
Just in time for our Feb. 20 celebration of the CBA!