San Jose, CA – Todd Dunivant answered questions after the LA Galaxy’s 3-2 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes about the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) being negotiated in New York between the MLS players Union and the League.
Todd Dunivant and Dan Gargan will fly to New York to join in the negotiations with the league. Those negotiations continue tomorrow (Sunday, March 1st, 2015) according to Dunivant.
Post-game Quotes from Todd Dunivant on the CBA
“It’s an interesting mindset, I guess. Obviously when we’re on the field it’s all business and everyone’s getting ready for the season. The CBA obviously looming over the whole situation. Both sides will get to the table tomorrow and get to work and we’ll see what happens.”
“Well, we’ve got a lot of work to do. Both sides are motivated, there’s no doubt about that. Both sides know the stakes. There’s no doubt that this is going to be a big week for everybody and for soccer in this country. I think both sides are excited to get back to the table.”
“We’re ready to do whatever it takes. We obviously have our principals and we have what we’re fighting for and the league – you heard the Commissioners comments, they certainly want a deal as well. It’s going to be an interesting week.”
“We’re still talking. And generally these – last time it was a similar situation where it went down to the wire and i don’t think anyone expected anything differently. We’ve got a long way to go and a lot of work to do and both sides know that going into the week.”
MLS CBA
The key sticking point on the CBA negotiation is Free Agency. So far, it’s unclear whether the owners have even acknowledged free agency in any of their proposals to the players union.
Without a MLS CBA it’s unlikely the 2015 season will start on time (An extension of the current CBA is possible but unlikely if major issues like free agency are still not settled).
Announcements of a strike by the players or a lockout by the owners are both a real possibility heading towards March 6th and the start of the season.
Pay close attention to away teams for this upcoming weekend’s games. It’s unlikely that they would travel to an away game without notification a deal is close or is signed.
For more information regarding the MLS CBA you can listen to our podcast that explains some of the main issues with ESPNFC’s Jeff Carlisle.