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Want to learn about CBAs, and what can happen? I've got one source

Since union membership has decreased significantly from its high of 35% in the 1950s, fewer people are familiar with the process or reason why sports players have CBAs. As a licensed attorney, I know little to nothing about labor law, so I'm interested in finding other experts in this field who can comment on the issues much like how I sought out people who weren't Grant Wahl could write intelligently about the recent legal fight over turf at the Women's World Cup (jurisdiction and remedy were never going to be "wins" for the women, it was all for show IMO). I recently came across this article from Steven Holroyd who is a soccer fan/lawyer who works in labor law. It's best to read his article if you want an introduction on CBAs and sports.

Where everyone can be a striker: A brief look at sports labor law

In Short

CBAs are the contract that all unions use with employers. CBAs are necessary for leagues with salary caps so the owners don't run afoul with anti-trust laws by fixing wages industry wide. MLS is a single entity and doesn't need a CBA to operate but agreed to allow the players to form a union anyway after MLS won in court back in 2002. (Shameless plug for about the 5th time that I wrote a post on this long ago). Great insight and someone that I plan on returning to as Holroyd expects to cover the NASL next.

He is on Twitter as well. @Section107RowA

P.S.

Fascinating to see Borchers weighing in today, but if you watch Wallace's interview through OregonLive he evades the CBA question completely. Some players are just not comfortable talking about the CBA talks.

This FanPost was written by a Stumptown Footy community member and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the site or its staff.

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