CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — Individuals who are members of the Professional Hockey Players’ Association plan on staging a strike in the ECHL if the league and union cannot come to a new collective bargaining agreement.
Brian Ramsay, the union’s executive director, said it sent the league a written request to resume talks that went unanswered. Additionally, he claimed that the ECHL rejected any interest in mediation or arbitration, instead seeking “significant movement” and concessions from the players.
The table, for now, appears set for a PHPA strike effective Friday, when play is scheduled to continue following the holiday break. Players initially voted for a strike on Friday, Dec. 18, the union announced on Monday, Dec. 22.
“For several months, we have been engaged in bargaining with the league, and their unlawful and coercive conduct throughout this process has been incredibly disappointing,” Ramsay said. “We sincerely hope the ECHL will engage in good-faith negotiations so a fair agreement can be reached and any disruption to the season can be avoided.”
For the league’s part, it posted details of its latest proposal on its website, claiming it would raise the salary cap 16.4% this season with retroactive pay upon ratification. The league also said it plans to increase player salaries by 27% over a five-year term, according to details posted online.
The league said it has also offered mandatory day-off requirements, modified holiday and mid-season breaks, and increased per diems (reimbursements for meals while traveling) to $60 this year, as well as future increases that will raise it by 24.5 percent from the current rate.
The offer hasn’t appeared to bring the two sides closer together.
“Unfortunately, a strike would hurt everyone, including both the fans and the players themselves, who would stop getting paid, and lose housing and medical benefits – something we all want to avoid,” the league said in a statement. “We believe the players would much prefer to continue playing and supporting the fans and communities we serve while we work through negotiations.”
CBA talks began in January, with Ramsay accusing the league of unfair bargaining practices, including contacting players directly with proposals, which have been reported to the National Labor Relations Board.
According to the union, the league has shown minimal concern for players’ safety. It has allegedly barred players from choosing their helmets and supplied members with used equipment, Ramsay said.
“This has remained a pattern,” Ramsay said. “The league has resisted basic player safety and working condition issues.”
The ECHL is the North American development league. It sits two levels below the NHL.
The South Carolina Stingrays are members of the league and have a game scheduled for Friday, Dec. 26, against the Savannah Ghost Pirates. A work stoppage would undoubtedly change the schedule.
The PHPA represents more than 1,800 players across 62 teams in the AHL and ECHL, while also serving more than 10,000 former PHPA Members through its Alumni Network.