PLAYER PROTESTS MAR UFL ANTICIPATION
The build-up to the United Football League’s second season continues to be overshadowed by unrest amongst the very stars essential to its success.
Although the players have not yet shown that they are willing to go as far as withholding their services when season two kicks on the final weekend of the month, their union — the United Football Players Association — has taken the step of filing claims of unfair labour practices against the UFL as ongoing collective bargaining negotiations remain at an impasse.
Memphis Showboats quarterback Quinten Dormady, traded for over the offseason, was cut from the squad last week, in what he believes was a heavy-handed response to his involvement in the union. The threat to cut players is just one of the accusations the UFPA has levelled at the league, concerned that the its role in supporting its members is being stifled.
Amongst the complaints lodged with the National Labor Relations Board, the UFPA has alleged that the league threatened to cut or discipline players if they participate in union activities; created new rules regarding player discipline to actively discourage participation in union activities; denied the union access to league facilities; threatened to remove union reps from the premises; observed players participation in union activities; and failed/refused to provide information requested by the union required in order to fairly engage in the bargaining talks.
The filing of claims, and anger at Dormady’s untimely release, is not the first sign of unrest in the dispute, as all 24 quarterbacks registered with UFL team skipped the preseason QB training camp in league headquarters in Arlington after branding CBA proposals ‘unacceptable and insulting’. Subsequent threats to boycott the league’s official media days were allayed prior to the UFPA filing its official complaint.
The UFL issued a brief statement in response to the filing, insisting that it is still working towards the successful conclusion of the CBA process.
“The United Football League does not comment on active legal proceedings,” the statement read. “Throughout the negotiations with the players association, we have acted in good faith to finalise a Collective Bargaining Agreement that is beneficial to both parties, and we will continue to do so until a deal is reached.”
In an unexpected show of support, the NFL Players Association waded into the dispute to call for the UFL to step up and do right by its players.
“We are proud to stand in solidarity with the players of the UFL as they fight for a contract ahead of the UFL season,” the NFLPA said in a statement issued before the UFPA filing was submitted. “It’s time for Fox Sports and the other UFL owners to show their players respect and give them the fair wages and healthcare coverage that they deserve.”
Former NFL player-turned-UFL executive vice president Daryl Johnston admitted that there had been bumps in the road towards a CBA acceptable to both sides, but remained optimistic of a positive outcome.
“Every labour negotiation has its challenges, and we’re going through what every labour negotiation goes through,” Johnston told The Athletic during the league’s media days. “You start with a big gap in the middle, and you’re trying to get to common ground the whole time. Both sides have negotiated in good faith, we’re getting closer.”
Season two of the UFL is due to kick off on Friday 28th March as the St. Louis Battlehawks meet the Houston Roughnecks.