With Major League Baseball and the Players Association (MLBPA) more than two months into a lockout that is endangering Spring Training starting on time, the league requested involvement from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to help collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.
Unlike an arbitrator, a federal mediator would not be able to negotiate a new CBA, or impose specific rules or guidelines. Nevertheless, involving a member from the FMCS needed approval from the union, who declined MLB’s request.
“Two months after implementing their lockout, and just two days after committing to Players that a counterproposal would be made, the owners refused to make a counter, and instead requested mediation,” MLBPA said in a statement.
“After consultation with our Executive Board, and taking into account a variety of factors, we have declined this request. The clearest path to a fair and timely agreement is to get back to the table. Players stand ready to negotiate.”
MLB used mediators during the players’ strikes in 1981 and 1994. The second instance did not lead to a resolution and ultimately saw the World Series canceled. A federal mediator was successful with the 2013 NHL lockout and MLS strike in 2015.
MLB responds to MLBPA
With federal mediation seemingly off the table, the onus remains on the league and union to continue with CBA negotiations. Not only is pressure mounting with respect to the Spring Training calendar and Opening Day looming on March 31, but animosity seems to be boiling over.
“Our goal is to have players on the field and fans in the ballparks for spring training and Opening Day,” MLB said in a statement after their request was denied. “With camps scheduled to open in less than two weeks, it is time to get immediate assistance from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to help us work through our differences and break the deadlock.
“It is clear the most productive path forward would be the involvement of an impartial third party to help bridge gaps and facilitate an agreement. It is hard to understand why a party that wants to make an agreement would reject mediation from the federal agency specifically tasked with resolving these disputes, including many successes in professional sports.
“MLB remains committed to offering solutions at the table and reaching a fair agreement for both sides.”
The first step toward reaching a solution presumably may fall on MLB’s shoulders as they were last to indicate a counteroffer would be submitted.
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