MLB presented the Players Association (MLBPA) with a 130-page offer last week that included slight increases in the pre-arbitration bonus pool, luxury tax threshold and minimum salary over the lifetime of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The union was said to be underwhelmed and provided the league with their counter on Thursday, reportedly moving off their stance that everyone with at least two years of Major League service time be eligible for arbitration. However, they raised their request for a pre-arbitration bonus pool from $100 million to $115 million.
Several reports indicated the meeting between the two sides lasted only a mere 15 minutes. Though, MLB deputy commissioner Dan Halem and MLBPA chief negotiator Bruce Meyer were said to have then held a one-on-one discussion.
As has been the case all offseason, neither the league or union felt there was much progress made in the latest round of negotiations, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers:
The sides met on the 78th day of the lockout and one day after spring training workouts were scheduled to commence, but sources told ESPN that neither side felt there was much progress in the negotiations.
Although the sides appear no closer to agreeing to a new CBA, they reportedly will begin holding multiple bargaining sessions next week — perhaps every day — in effort to end the lockout.
Time is beginning to become a factor as MLB reportedly informed the MLBPA of a February 28 deadline to get a CBA in place, or Opening Day would be pushed back from March 31.
MLB delays Spring Training games until March due to lockout
MLB officially announced on Friday they have delayed the start of Spring Training games until at least early March as negotiations with the Players Association (MLBPA) for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) continue.
“We regret that, without a collective bargaining agreement in place, we must postpone the start of Spring Training games until no earlier than Saturday, March 5th. All 30 clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans back to the stands,” MLB said in their statement.
“The Clubs have adopted a uniform policy that provides an option for full refunds for fans who have purchased tickets from the Club to any Spring Training games that are not taking place. We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to each side.
“On Monday, members of the owners’ bargaining committee will join an in-person meeting with the Players Association and remain every day next week negotiate and work hard towards starting the season on time.”
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