This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/business-12505402
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
NFL clubs and players meet mediatior over agreement | |
(3 days later) | |
The National Football League and the players' union, the NFLPA, have started a federal mediation process in their disagreement over working arrangements. | |
The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and players ends on 4 March and talks have stalled. | The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and players ends on 4 March and talks have stalled. |
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service(FMCS) has been directing talks. | |
The negotiations cover wages, drug testing, health and pension benefits, and plans to increase the regular season from 16 to 18 games. | The negotiations cover wages, drug testing, health and pension benefits, and plans to increase the regular season from 16 to 18 games. |
Earlier this month the club owners filed an unfair labour practice complaint against the players' union. | |
The FMCS is an independent government agency to help preserve and encourage harmony in worker-management discussions. | The FMCS is an independent government agency to help preserve and encourage harmony in worker-management discussions. |
A joint statement said the two groups had met George Cohen, director of the FMCS, in Washington. | |
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith attended the session, but neither side commented on progresss. | |
Mr Cohen has asked both sides to not make public comments about the process. | |
The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covers the financial framework of top-level American football, a thriving, multibillion dollar business. | The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covers the financial framework of top-level American football, a thriving, multibillion dollar business. |
However, NFL owners say their profit margins are being squeezed and want to modify distribution of annual revenues of $9bn (£5.5bn). | However, NFL owners say their profit margins are being squeezed and want to modify distribution of annual revenues of $9bn (£5.5bn). |
Currently, the players get about 61% of the NFL revenue, after a $1bn credit in favour of the owners is subtracted. | |
The owners want to see this arrangement rebalanced. | |
If an agreement cannot be reached, there is the possibility the club owners could lock out the players from their stadiums and facilities and shut down the game. | If an agreement cannot be reached, there is the possibility the club owners could lock out the players from their stadiums and facilities and shut down the game. |
That would mean empty stadiums and blank TV screens when the 2011 NFL competition is scheduled to restart again on Thursday, 8 September. | That would mean empty stadiums and blank TV screens when the 2011 NFL competition is scheduled to restart again on Thursday, 8 September. |