Thread by @EugeneFreedman

Secretary Walsh was the head of the Building Trades in Boston before he was Mayor. He was and is a journeyman laborer member of LIUNA. He's more savvy than to volunteer to do this without the Union's assent. I suspect this is being spun. Management probably asked him to help 1/

https://twitter.com/JonLemire/status/1490687864291606532

and he said, he'd be willing if the parties want him to. Meanwhile, management is likely portraying it this way to again make it look like the Union refuses to be reasonable and work with third parties to reach resolution.

Also, as President of his LIUNA local, Secretary Walsh has been through CBA negotiations before, including contentious negotiations.

Sounds like the Secretary said what he says in any major industry bargaining.

"I have spoken to both the MLBPA and MLB about the ongoing contract negotiations and encourage both sides to continue engagement,” Walsh said via a spokesperson.

“Like any contract negotiation in any industry, I stand ready to help facilitate productive conversations that result in the best outcome for workers and employers."

He's not really offering assistance. He's saying he's available if need be. And, to be clear, the Secretary

has no real authority to intervene. He's just saying he wants them to keep bargaining and he can help if they really need it. The NLRB and FMCS are independent agencies outside of the Secretary's jurisdiction.