Stakes, Tension Rise in NFL Labor Talks

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By HOWARD FENDRICH

WASHINGTON (AP) - The tension and stakes rose in the NFL labor talks with only a day left before the twice-extended collective bargaining agreement expires, increasing the possibility of the league losing games to a work stoppage for the first time in nearly a quarter-century.

With the two sides far apart on key economic issues, nine of the 10 members of the owners' labor committee joined NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday at the office of the federal mediator overseeing the talks - but, the union said, none of the owners met with any players.

Even though there were small-group negotiations between NFL and union representatives, no one gave any indication that progress was made. Indeed, the loudest words came in the evening, during a series of back-and-forth barbs sparked by league general counsel and lead negotiator Jeff Pash's comments.

"Things can come together quickly. Things can fall apart quickly," Pash said when the NFL negotiating team left for the day. "I've said it many times: If both sides have an equal commitment to getting this deal done, it will get done. I don't know if both sides have an equal commitment. ... Obviously, we have the commitment."

Read more: http://sports.excite.com/news/03102011/v7578.html

[Imajika]

1. If they don't reach an agreement...

...I wonder if the league will hire scab replacement players.

[rpannier]

4. They can't

Under a lock out the owners can't use replacements
Only if the players strike can they use replacements

I saw that on either ESPN or Fox Sports

[napi21]

2. I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm an avid Steeler fan and

never miss wathing the FEW games that are aired in Ga, but always tune in the radio to the stream out of W Va. I know few of those guys have a LONH career and their bodies take a realbeating when they play even those who only play a few years, so I want them to be well paid. (ANDTHEY ARE!!!)

I've also always loved the Rooney family and they make LOTS of $$ right now. They don't need the $$ from those extra games they're demanding.

HOWever...I'd love to see a few more season games. Heck, maybe there might be one or more broadcase in GA?

[abqmufc]

3. This is no longer news.... WI, MI is news

When millions are out of work (including myself), while the rights of millions of workers are being stripped throughout the USA how can we even give a crap what multi-millionaires are doing to protect their their worker rights. If the players association wants my sympathy stand alongside those in Wisconsin, Michigan, Idaho and other states. Until then NFL shut up and get over it....this is exactly what is wrong with this country we still care more about superstar football player's rights more than we care about a teacher's rights.

[Omaha Steve]

5. Where has your head been?

This years Super Bowl MVP came out and supported the Wisconsin public Workers. Retired Gilbert Brown (his dad was UFCW) drove all night to protest. All pro corner...

Shows what you know. I pretty much am regarded as the labor leader on the DU. I never see YOU in the Labor Forum. Over 90% of the posts are mine. And your way off base. Workers fighting are workers fighting. Your falling for just what the owners want.

And I have NEVER used the F word on the DU. Please do the same.


Aaron Rodgers, Charles Woodson back unions in Wisconsin labor battle

http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/02/22/aaron-rodgers-charles-woodson-back-unions-in-wisconsin-labor-battle/

What do Wisconsin’s pro sports teams think about the big labor dispute in that state? As of this hour we have no official word from the Racing Sausages. But we do know that Aaron Rodgers and Charles Woodson are standing in solidarity with the unions.

That may surprise some, seeing that the average annual NFL salary is around $800,000, and many are millionaires. But as Filip Bondy of the New York Daily News points out, the NFLPA is one of the strongest unions in the country, and a union is a union.

“Thousands of dedicated Wisconsin public workers provide vital services for Wisconsin citizens,” Woodson said in a statement. “They are the teachers, nurses and child care workers who take care of us and our families. These hard working people are under an unprecedented attack to take away their basic rights to have a voice and collectively bargain at work.”

Woodson’s full statement is here.

Seven current and former Packers — Brady Poppinga, Jason Spitz, Curtis Fuller, Chris Jacke, Charles Jordan, Bob Long and Steve Okoniewski — last week signed a letter in support of the public employees. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Packers rep for the NFL Players Association, is also supporting the unions according to Wisconsin Democratic Party Communications Director Graham Zelinski. He wore a Rodgers Packer jersey during a Democratic Party meeting on Thursday (video below).

The fate of unions overall could be decided in Wisconsin, and that’s a tipping point that should concern every pro athlete.

Meanwhile, somewhat ironically, Wisconsin Senate Republicans are planning to go forward with a resolution to honor the Packers for winning the Super Bowl, even though 14 Democratic senators are not there.

OS

[abqmufc]

6. It does surprise me, thanks

As to where has my head been....for the past 7 months it has been trying to find job to pay the bills, to keep my house, to feed my family. So far no luck. Tonight I took a break to get caught up, and to be honest I want to run to the hills b/c the time for a revolt is now and we are fixated (the majority of the nation) on NFL labor issues and not middle class labor realities.

I've always applauded Green Bay as a sports team, They are a model in ownership (unlike my beloved Manchester United FC), and now they are some worthwhile persons. Thank you for sharing.

As for the f word, sorry if it offends, to me it's a word no more no less and it should not be banned (1st Amendment). A real dirty word is capitalism.

[Omaha Steve]

7. Hand shake extended

I'm sorry.

I was a little upset and blew off some steam. Everybody is tense over Wisconsin etc. I too am a public worker and our govoner is changing our rights even though D's hold the majority of the labor committee in the Ne. legislature.

Good luck on the home front. I knew about the Pack because they have been my team for as long as I can remember. Grandpa lived 2 houses away and he loved them too.

In solidarity,

OS

[Omaha Steve]

8. I forgot to mention this about the F word

I use it all the time at work. Once in awhile at home or away. I just don't use it on the DU. I remember when I was a lurker in my first DU days, one of the female members complaining about it. I don't remember who it was.

[Doctor_J]

9. Keep your focus

The NFLPA is involved in the same struggle as the rest of us, though on a much different scale of course. And dismissing or belittling their plight doesn't help what's happening at our level. I am in an opposite position - I have a good, secure, modestly-paid non-union job, but am 4-square behind the Wisconsin folks, and if we can organize a general strike, I will put my good, secure, modestly-paid job at risk by joining in. A lot more people are interested in Wisconsin than the NFL issue - don't kid yourself.

I am in total agreement that the time is here for a revolt. I have some pretty good ideas on how we can win, too. Just waiting for enough other working stiffs to wake up. I would prefer to die on my feet than live on my knees, and I think the American rabble will eventually come to life and take it back. the only question is when. I am well into the last 3rd of my life so won't be able to help if we wait much longer. Here's to us!

[revolution breeze]

10. During football season, my daughter works concessions

at the Superdome. She makes very good money, which she uses to pay her college tuition. If they don't come to an agreement, there is no way they will be able to fill the venue, meaning my daughter will be out of work from August until January. You may say "just get another job" but New Orleans really counts on tourism and, in the fall, that means football.