Major League Baseball announced a $1 million fund to support their Grapefruit (Florida) and Cactus (Arizona) League workers who have been affected by the decision to cancel Spring Training games because of the ongoing lockout.
This initial fund, which will be administered by clubs to individuals based on financial need, will be available the thousands of part-time and seasonal workers, including but not limited to concessionaires, grounds crew, security, clubhouse and general ballpark and game operators.
“We know that our sport is facing a challenging time as we work toward a new collective bargaining agreement,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Regrettably, the people who make Spring Training a first-class experience for our fans have been affected through no fault of their own.
“As an institution, Major League Baseball and our Clubs remain committed to supporting our most vulnerable staff. We hope this fund will alleviate some of the financial concerns they have faced due to missed Grapefruit and Cactus League games this spring.”
An additional fund will be created by MLB and teams for seasonal and part-time workers affected by missed regular season games. Details are expected to be announced at a future date.
The decision by MLB comes less than a week after the Players Association (MLBPA) launched their own $1 million fund for workers impacted by the lockout.
“There are a lot of people who make our game great. Many aren’t seen or heard, but they are vital to the entertainment experience of our games,” MLBPA executive board leaders Andrew Miller and Max Scherzer said in a joint statement.
“Unfortunately, they will also be among those affected by the owner-imposed lockout and their cancellation of games. Through this fund, we want to let them know they have our support.”
The lockout is now more than three months long and there doesn’t appear to be a resolution in sight as the two sides are “deadlocked” in negotiations.
Cactus League frustrated by impact of MLB lockout
As MLB players are locked out from using team facilities while the league and MLBPA negotiate a new CBA, it is also unclear when Spring Training will begin.
Team facilities are currently being used by Minor Leaguers, who are not protected by the CBA, but most fans aren’t going to want to go watch Minor League games, or at least not without a significant discount attached.
Because of this, the impact of the MLB lockout has extended to the economies of the cities teams train in, all of which are in Arizona or Florida, just two years after they were first impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Cactus League has expressed their disappointment with the lack of progress and current state of the sport while also maintaining they are prepared to operate at a moment’s notice.
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