BillsSabresB.C.T. Fan
01-24-2009, 11:54 AM
MONTREAL -- In a move expected for the past few days, the National Hockey League Players' Association announced it will pass on an option to re-open the Collective Bargaining Agreement this year, assuring labor peace for the next three years.
"We are making this announcement now because this should be viewed as positive news for all the stakeholders in our game," said Paul Kelly, the NHLPA's executive director, during a Friday press conference at the Hyatt Regency here.
Now, the League and its players will operate under the current CBA, agreed to in 2005, until its expiration in 2011.
"Today is a day to talk about the good things that are happening in our sport," Kelly said. "We will play without interruption and we will continue to work with the NHL to grow the game."
Kelly made Friday's announcement after the 30 player representatives voted unanimously to continue under the current agreement.
The NHLPA made a point to stress that its choice to pass on the opportunity to opt out of the current CBA in no way suggests that the players are happy with every provision of the document that governs relations between the League and its players; but rather that now is not the time to put these issues on the front burner.
"I think, overall, (the CBA) has been OK," said Sheldon Souray, an All-Star defenseman from Edmonton. "We've lived with the deal and we will continue to live with the deal.
"This announcement certifies the players' endorsement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and affirms that the system is working in the manner anticipated from its inception. We are extremely pleased that the League and the players now can move forward together and that the fans' focus can remain on the ice, where it belongs."
-- Commissioner Gary Bettman
"Collectively, as a union, we want to play and we are not opposed to having to live with the deal."
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=405957
"We are making this announcement now because this should be viewed as positive news for all the stakeholders in our game," said Paul Kelly, the NHLPA's executive director, during a Friday press conference at the Hyatt Regency here.
Now, the League and its players will operate under the current CBA, agreed to in 2005, until its expiration in 2011.
"Today is a day to talk about the good things that are happening in our sport," Kelly said. "We will play without interruption and we will continue to work with the NHL to grow the game."
Kelly made Friday's announcement after the 30 player representatives voted unanimously to continue under the current agreement.
The NHLPA made a point to stress that its choice to pass on the opportunity to opt out of the current CBA in no way suggests that the players are happy with every provision of the document that governs relations between the League and its players; but rather that now is not the time to put these issues on the front burner.
"I think, overall, (the CBA) has been OK," said Sheldon Souray, an All-Star defenseman from Edmonton. "We've lived with the deal and we will continue to live with the deal.
"This announcement certifies the players' endorsement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and affirms that the system is working in the manner anticipated from its inception. We are extremely pleased that the League and the players now can move forward together and that the fans' focus can remain on the ice, where it belongs."
-- Commissioner Gary Bettman
"Collectively, as a union, we want to play and we are not opposed to having to live with the deal."
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=405957