As Major League Baseball and the Players Association attempt to compromise on an economic plan for the 2020 regular season, the two sides must also agree to health and safety protocols in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
MLB submitted a 67-page document to the union last month, addressing concerns and outlining what must be done to ensure players remain healthy during a potential 2020 season.
Among other guidelines, it called for physical distancing, the elimination of high fives, spitting, and showering at stadiums before and after games, and a ban on the use of therapy pools and similar amenities.
The union has since offered feedback to MLB, which was said to be signed off on. However, there is one request that reportedly hasn’t gone over well with the union.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich of The Athletic, MLB is asking that players sign a waiver that would take away their ability to sue over unsafe work conditions:
The league, according to sources, wants players to sign an “acknowledgment of risk” waiver that would eliminate their ability to hold the league and clubs accountable if they do not create a safe work environment. The union, which does not want to forfeit the players’ rights to legal action if it believes negligence occurs, considers the potential inclusion of the waiver a “deal-breaker,” sources said.
It is certainly understandable why players are reluctant to sign a waiver, as doing so would essentially take MLB off the hook should negligence occur. Another health-related issue that the two sides must solve centers around players who prefer to sit out the year entirely.
Those with underlying conditions, such as Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Scott Alexander, will be given the opportunity to skip the season, but others that are considered low risk may opt to do so as well in the best interest of their family.
Under MLB’s proposal, high-risk players will receive their full salaries and service time if they choose to sit out. The others, meanwhile, may be forced to give up their pay unless an agreement is made.
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