A hard to explain labor argument in the CFL

At the time, an agreement was reached before the start of the season and no games were canceled. This is also what players say they like. They have already arrived at the camps that will start on Sunday.

In a compromise strategy rarely appreciated by unions, CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie issued a letter sent directly to players outlining elements of the offer made to the Players Association.

The CFLPA did not react publicly, except for a short video by its vice president, Adam Bighill, reminding him of the importance of a genuine partnership between the league and the Players Association.

Bighill specifically emphasized the safety of the players, suggesting that they were not satisfied with the insurance coverage offered to them after their careers.

Here are some explanations on the proposal published by Commissioner Ambrosie and other points raised by people close to the negotiations.

Contract length

The CFL is proposing a term of seven years for the new collective agreement. Players requested that the deal expire 30 days before the camps open in 2029, rather than the previous day like this year.

Over the past few weeks, there has been talk of a 10-year proposal, which seems unrealistic to come out of the pandemic. Not sure if players want to commit up to seven years …

Membership changes from 2023

Currently, we must have at least seven national players (Canadians) in action in the offensive or defensive game.

From 2023, one of these players could be an American naturalizedthat is, an American player who has been on his team three years or has played in the CFL for four years.

In addition, the Canadian quarterback will be included in the national player ratio.

It is currently required to have 21 national players, including seven starters, but quarterbacks are not included in the ratio. So the teams have no advantage in developing Canadian quarterbacks.

Guaranteed contracts (in part)

A player who is hurting his team can see the final year of his next contract guaranteed up to 50%.

Currently, no contract is guaranteed. If a player is released, he or she will go home without receiving compensation.

Salary cap

Beginning in 2023, the cap will increase by at least $ 100,000 per season.

If the 25% value of the Revenue Growth Share Formula is more than $ 100,000, that number will be applied to the annual cap.

In its offer, the league is talking about raising the cap to $ 18.9 million over seven years. In math, we’re talking about 2.1 million dollars per team.

The league insists on raising $ 300,000 per year rather than the $ 100,000 minimum.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage will increase from $ 65,000 to $ 70,000 in 2023, to $ 75,000 in 2027.

We don’t believe that players will stay on the sidewalk for long periods of time asking for more money for beginners.

Compensation increases for camps and playoff games

If the league’s revenue reaches $ 300 million, players will receive an additional $ 100 per week at camps. There will also be another $ 2,000 for Gray Cup losers and another $ 4,000 for winners.

In 2021, the share of a player who wins the Gray Cup is $ 16,000 and the share of losers is $ 8,000.

In the camps, players receive compensation related to their seniority. This amount varied from $ 525 to $ 725 per week in the last collective agreement.

The main concern of the players is in determining and verifying the amount of revenue.

Definition of income

We will use the definition of the old collective agreement that gave audit rights to the union. The union and accountant have access to all financial records for review and verification.

Community displays

Each team pays players $ 110,000 per season for community appearances (in addition to the salary cap).

Canadians returning from the NFL

Any Canadian player who returns to the CFL after three or more seasons in the NFL will not be limited to the CFL rookie ladder and will have the full right to negotiate a contract with the team that holds their rights.

Every year in the NFL counts as one year on the CFL rookie contract grid.

Rehabilitation of players and medical costs

From 2025, post-career insurance cover will be extended from three to four years.

Players whose careers are abruptly ended due to injury are often faced with problems that require long -term treatment. In recent years, some of them have had to use crowdfunding to cover the costs of their treatments.

Flexible training hours

Instead of having a daily time limit, teams can practice longer exercises at certain times of the week, balancing with shorter sessions at other times.

There is no overall increase in practice time on the cards.

Exercises with equipment

Teams can conduct one training session with equipment per week, up to a maximum of 12 during the season.

Weather calendar

The season can start up to 30 days earlier starting in 2023.