MLS players authorize strike
Written by on March 11th, 2010 in Latest News.
BMO Field may not see the likes of Dwayne DeRosario and Toronto FC in the home opener on April 15 if the players strike continues past the start of the season. (Chris Young/Canadian Press)
Major League Soccer players have overwhelmingly voted to authorize the first strike in the league’s history if contract talks fail, which would wipe out openers scheduled to start March 25.
The league’s first labour contract, a five-year deal, was originally set to run out Jan. 31 but was extended twice while negotiations continued. It expired Feb. 25 after the MLS Players Union refused another extension.
Miserable with the single-entity structure that has seen the league negotiate all contracts since play started in 1996, players want greater free-agent rights and a higher percentage of guaranteed deals.
The threat of labour strife comes as the Philadelphia Union, the league’s 16th team, is set to start play. The Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps have been added for 2011.
