NHL, NHLPA officially kick off Labour Talks for new Collective Bargaining Agreement
The National Hockey League (NHL) and Players’ Association, officially kicked off talks as reported on Friday, June 29, 2012, in order to negotiate over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the upcoming regular seasons after the current one is
set to expire on September 15th.
Reports had emerged a few days back that both stakeholders had set Friday as the day to start the negotiation process, which could take at least a few months to come to a final decision. For some analysts, the next season could also begin without a new CBA,
creating an unwanted deadlock.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and deputy commissioner Bill Daly were the two officials from the league that met NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr and his team in Manhattan, New York.
"Members of our league office staff and several of our owners met today with the NHLPA and various members of the players' negotiating committee at the league office in New York," Daly said after the meetings. "The meeting was very cordial and we hope it
was constructive.”
At the moment, it has been learned that Friday was just to give a start to the whole process and that anything significant, except the agenda for future meetings, was not discussed.
"Before breaking, the parties discussed follow-up steps and confirmed plans for future meetings. We have nothing further to report at this time," Daly added.
A number of players were with Fehr, representing a larger pool, which consisted of Philadelphia Flyers’ Scott Hartnell, Brandon Dubinsky of New York Rangers, Chris Campoli from Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres’ Brad Boyes and a number of others.
"Following today's meeting, we will review the NHL's initial presentation with the Players' committee before reconvening for further talks later next week." Donald Fehr stated.
The NHLPA had been known to be preparing all week long, with their recent most meeting held in Chicago. There is always a possibility of another lockout, something obviously every fears, but hopefully talks will work out and fans will continue seeing a smooth
running hockey league.
An official date has not been announced by the two stakeholders as of yet about when another meeting will take place, but can be expected in the next few days.
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