NHL, Players' Association talks come to conclusion, to resume Tuesday -NHL offseason Update
The third and final day of scheduled talked between the National Hockey League (NHL) and Players’ Association officially came to an end after two and a half hours in New York, discussing what was termed to be “technical matters” and setting Tuesday as the
next date for holding talks again.
Both sides halted the talks for the obvious weekend ahead, giving each of them enough time to ponder upon the negotiations that have been going on for three straight days and what a conclusion might be at this point.
Talking proper time out to discuss the situation and take in-depth consideration over the proposal made by the NHL over the three-day meetings, the Players’ Association has not submitted any reply to the league as of yet along with rejecting or accepting
it.
"When we get to the point where we're going to formally respond to the proposal they made -- by description, by counterproposal, or by separate proposal of our own -- everybody will know," NHLPA executive director, Donald Fehr, said. "We're not there yet."
According to the executive director, there are a number of things that they are focused on discussing with the league and it definitely will take time. There is no guarantee that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached before the current one
expires on September 15.
"I hope with the issues we talk about we're able to make some progress," Fehr added. "Progress can consist of having the discussions and clearing out the underbrush. It could consist of making or withdrawing proposals on either side. It could consist of
trying to focus on certain things. It's hard to say."
One thing that is good about the current negotiation process between the two sides is their openness and frank attitude to openly exchange views instead of holding back till the final moment.
The NHL has made it clear what they want and how they want it while the Players’ Association will just have to counter back with another smart proposal until the two can reach an agreement on what the process should be a part of.
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