League's lockout confirmation comes under debate in fourth meeting -NHL Update
The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) definitely did not like what they heard commissioner Gary Bettman said just a day earlier, but have decided to keep working towards a new deal and have one agreed upon in time as both sides met for a fourth time this week on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Bettman, on Thursday, had confirmed from his side that the 2012-2013 upcoming regular season would not take off if a new collective bargaining agreement was not reached by the deadline of the current labour deal expiring on September 15.
Fortunately for fans, the NHLPA’s representative of Winnipeg Jets, defenseman Ron Hainsey, thinks that there is still enough time to get things done.
"I think it's absolutely possible to get something done with no time missed," said Ron Hainsey, who was breafing the media after their fourth and last meeting of the week.
While the labour union may be united with the stance that there should be lockout, the league is believed to be putting them under pressure by not ruling out the possibility and terming the situation to be inclined towards that.
"Look, I always try to be optimistic about these things," NHL deputy commissioner, Bill Daly, said. "I truly believe a deal can be done, but it will require a lot of work. We've got a lot of issues still open. We haven't even heard from (the union) on the economic issues and we have a month, so it will require hard work and commitment on both sides. But certainly the NHL is committed and we hope the players are committed as well."
It is not hidden that both stakeholders are still to reach common ground on a number of issues that came under intense debate during the recent days and if basing theories on the meetings, than it looks like a lockout cannot be taken out of the question no matter what.
Many had been termed the clause in the current CBA to allow the regular season in case of a deadlock between the two negotiators, but the league is said to be not allowing it as it must be given mutual consent prior to coming into enforcement.
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