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Hockey players

NHL Players Association Threatens Lockout, Demands Reversal of Contract Rollbacks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tensions between the NHL Players Association and league management have escalated, with the NHLPA promising not to go on strike this season if the owners do not impose a lockout and rescind the 19 contract rollbacks imposed on September 1. The players, led by executive director Bob Goodenow, are determined to play under the old collective agreement and have rejected the owners' proposed changes. As the season is set to begin, the league remains divided, with no indication of a resolution to the dispute.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHLPA has promised not to go on strike this season if the owners do not impose a lockout and rescind the 19 contract rollbacks imposed on September 1.
  • The players are demanding that the owners rescind the rollbacks, which included requiring players to pay their own way to training camp and eliminating salary arbitration.
  • The NHLPA has rejected the owners' proposal to lower their internal tax on team payrolls, instead proposing a 5-per-cent tax on both payrolls and gate revenue.
  • The players' proposal would provide over $8-million (a year) to the Winnipeg Jets and over $5-million to the Edmonton Oilers in revenue sharing.
  • The NHLPA executive director, Bob Goodenow, has stated that the players are prepared for a long and tough battle, and are willing to play under the same conditions and terms as last season.

Statistics:

  • 19 contract rollbacks imposed on September 1, including requiring players to pay their own way to training camp and eliminating salary arbitration.
  • $8-million (a year) proposed revenue sharing to the Winnipeg Jets.
  • $5-million (a year) proposed revenue sharing to the Edmonton Oilers.
  • 5-per-cent tax on both payrolls and gate revenue proposed by the NHLPA.
  • Maximum $500 fine that can be levied on a player who makes threatening remarks to an NHL executive.

Sources:

  • The Globe and Mail, September 15, 1994
  • The Globe and Mail, September 14, 1994
  • The NHLPA website, "NHLPA Statement on Contract Rollbacks"

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