Quick Thoughts on the CBA Talks
In case you haven’t been paying attention, the Professional Lacrosse Players Association (PLPA) and the NLL are trying to work out a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). I would really like to emphasize the word trying because, based on what I’ve read, it’s very subjective in this particular case.
I’ve been doing a little bit of thinking and here are some quick points that are running through my mind:
- The PLPA and NLL are dragging their feet a little bit. Everyone knew new terms would need to be hashed out before the 2008 season, yet nobody was talking over the summer break.
- The NLL is really pushing the press on this issue. Seven, yes, seven posts on NLL.com are talking about how the season will be over before it even starts if a deal is not made by October 15th (tomorrow as of this writing).
- A few outspoken players are really concerned that the deal be fair to both the players and the NLL — usually in the NHL or other pro leagues it’s often a players vs. league mentality.
- About 8,000 fans, depending on the city, will be extremely pissed off — and potentially non-returning fans next season — if a new CBA isn’t reached.
- This is starting to look like a bad year for the Boston Blazers to come back to the league. ;)
This may be over simplifying things a little bit but doesn’t it seem like both parties are being a little childish? I understand that the most people think the best way to win their case is to hold out the longest and win the pissing contest. All that really does is prove one side has a bigger bladder — leaving the “losing” side with resentment. Have these people not read How to Win Friends and Influence People
I mean come on people. How about each side sit down and write a list of what’s most important for their side. Then write a list of what’s most important for the other side. Compare the lists and see what points match up. After that the only thing left to do is meet in the middle.
Yes, this is a very simplistic approach to the issue. What I want to know is why do negotiations always have to become so complicated? You all remember the old adage KISS right?