Other blogs have done a much better job covering the continuing MLS CBA negotiations. Jason Davis of Match Fit USA has a very good guide to the negotiations. I encourage you to read it.
This issue has been the talk of every MLS fan (or at least those who care). The MLS Players Union is pushing guaranteed contracts and free agency. The MLS owners are pushing back hard and saying no. In my view it is easy to jump on the side of the MLS players and say they deserve these rights and better salaries. While MLS is growing, it still remains a very fragile league. Most teams are still losing money and a drastic change could wreck the foundation of the league.
On the flip side, some things do need to change. The minimum salary has to go up and the salary cap needs to be raised. Giving the players more money will allow them to completely focus on the game and develop in the game. Several players have retired from soccer and pursued other interests. Former United goalkeeper Troy Perkins had to have second job. It just screams amateur league when your players have to take other forms of employment.
I hate how both sides have handled the arguments. The owners have stuck through noses in the air and have said that they will not even entertain the MLSPU's arguments. The MLSPU has turned to FIFPro, the world player's "union," to handle their side of the argument. This group from the Netherlands has been running their mouths saying that MLS violates FIFA contract laws and need to change. Why the hell this group from the Netherlands thinks it has any idea what MLS is like in America is beyond me. My message to FIFPro, stay the hell out of MLS.
Like any labor negotiations it is a nerve racking process that have both sides playing a version of chicken until one or both sides blink and reach an agreement. Or both sides smack into each other and strike. A strike could be devastating to the league and the growth American soccer could cease. Needless to say, if March comes around and I'm not watching D.C. United vs. Kansas City, I will blame both the player's union and the owners for allowing this to happen.
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