Apparently there are a lot of columns declaring a pox on both houses today regarding MLB/MLBPA failing to reach an agreement. What's missing in that superficial analysis is that they DID reach agreement. The reached it nearly 3 months ago. The parties are now agreeing to live
with the agreement they reached, which provides MLBPA represented players with pro rata pay and the Commissioner with the authority to set the schedule after meeting certain criteria and discussing things with the PA. It did not require negotiations.
This outcome is a win-win
This outcome is a win-win
Here is a thread explaining why this is a win-win at this point:
But, there's more than that. And, it's an analysis based on the outcome and not the methods of achieving that outcome.
But, there's more than that. And, it's an analysis based on the outcome and not the methods of achieving that outcome.
I wrote about why a grievance is not a bad thing, here:
But, there's more than that. It's possible that this was the actual deal the parties agreed to face-to-face. It was an agreement to live with the March Agreement. An agreement to achieve their
But, there's more than that. It's possible that this was the actual deal the parties agreed to face-to-face. It was an agreement to live with the March Agreement. An agreement to achieve their
best available current outcome without giving up any of their respective positions about future revenue. Those types of negotiations are better reserved for the 2021-22 term contract table anyway because there is a lot more in play (everything), as opposed to attempts to get
one major issue resolved in exchange for other minor issues.
This was not a situation of looking only at the short-term. It was an opportunity to abide by a mutually negotiated agreement. That builds trust. Short-term would have been looking for a win. This is tie, which in
This was not a situation of looking only at the short-term. It was an opportunity to abide by a mutually negotiated agreement. That builds trust. Short-term would have been looking for a win. This is tie, which in
labor relations is a win, because no matter what both parties need to continue to work together. By withdrawing the 2021 playoffs issue from the table yesterday, the Commissioner confirmed that there was no further that issue could have gone right now.
It's also important to
It's also important to
note that this was a way for both parties to save face. The Commissioner could not agree to more than what his 30 owners believed was their final offer. That was 60 games. Sure, they only agreed with themselves that it was a fair deal, but they are rich stubborn men. They
weren't going to agree to more. Now, they believe they got what they wanted.
The PA couldn't agree to fewer games AND expanded playoffs. By voting the proposal down, they got the same games without expanded playoffs.
They both were able to keep their constituencies happy.
The PA couldn't agree to fewer games AND expanded playoffs. By voting the proposal down, they got the same games without expanded playoffs.
They both were able to keep their constituencies happy.
It's also important to note that the only reason this was distasteful or unpleasant was because there were leaks. The media who received the leaks are the same people complaining how bad they were.
Here's a solution- in 21-22 a voluntary ground rules agreement for no publicity.
Here's a solution- in 21-22 a voluntary ground rules agreement for no publicity.
Any time a writer asks for an update issue a joint statement, "The parties are working toward a voluntary collective bargaining agreement that can be ratified by the MLBPA membership and meets the expectations of the 30 Club Owners. Once we have reached a tentative agreement
and have begun our separate review processes, we will let you know."
That way all of the bickering and normal collective bargaining that makes these writers so uncomfortable can be avoided. No hand wringing. No bad faith. No both sides. If the parties stop talking, the media
That way all of the bickering and normal collective bargaining that makes these writers so uncomfortable can be avoided. No hand wringing. No bad faith. No both sides. If the parties stop talking, the media
won't be able to blame them.
And, let's be clear, all of the initial leaks were from management. It wasn't until the release of the letter from MLB counsel admitting that the March Agreement meant pro rata pay that the PA leaked anything of relevance. Most of the leaks after
And, let's be clear, all of the initial leaks were from management. It wasn't until the release of the letter from MLB counsel admitting that the March Agreement meant pro rata pay that the PA leaked anything of relevance. Most of the leaks after
that continued to be from management. Players received proposals after the media did. That's total garbage and destroys trust. That's on management.
But, the outcome of these negotiations is not a disaster. It's not a pox on both houses. It's an elegant solution to a problem.
But, the outcome of these negotiations is not a disaster. It's not a pox on both houses. It's an elegant solution to a problem.
Both parties get something. Both parties can tell their constituencies it was a positive outcome. Neither party gave in on its principles. The outcome is good.
Being uncomfortable with the process means you shouldn't be writing about collective bargaining.
Being uncomfortable with the process means you shouldn't be writing about collective bargaining.
