After a month-long lockout of MLS referees, sources have confirmed that the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) has voted to ratify a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO). The new CBA was ratified late on Monday night, bringing an end to the deadlock. This development marks a significant step towards the resumption of regular MLS matches with official referees back on the field.
The sources revealed that 93 out of 97 eligible voters participated in the ratification vote, with 72 voting “yes,” resulting in a 77.4% approval rate. The new CBA is expected to last seven years, through the end of the 2030 season. This extended duration raised concerns among union members who were wary of being locked into a long-term agreement spanning two World Cup cycles. However, the deal was eventually approved despite these reservations.
One of the primary components of a new CBA is improved compensation for referees. While the new agreement will provide retroactive pay for the months of January and part of February, there will be no retroactive pay for the period of the lockout itself. The negotiation process saw both sides navigate through various sticking points, including monetary increases and changes to travel benefits, before reaching a consensus.
The road to reaching a new CBA was fraught with challenges and tensions between the PSRA and PRO. Prior to the ratification of the second Tentative Agreement, there were disagreements regarding the terms and conditions, leading to a temporary impasse. The rejection of PRO’s offer of a no strike/no lockout provision was a pivotal moment that resulted in the lockout of PSRA referees and the utilization of replacement referees for the initial phase of the season.
The decision to employ replacement referees during the lockout raised concerns about the quality of officiating in MLS matches. Despite attempts to portray the replacement referees’ performances positively, data indicated otherwise. The increased rate of VAR interventions and instances of embarrassing incidents, such as a referee wearing a team jersey, underscored the challenges faced during the period of the lockout.
Ultimately, the resolution of the lockout came with the approval of the second Tentative Agreement, which included several million dollars in additional wages for referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials. The increase in base pay and match fees varied based on the referee’s experience level, with probationary referees and assistants receiving significant pay raises. While there were improvements in travel benefits, certain aspects remained unchanged from the initial Tentative Agreement.
The resolution of the MLS referee lockout signifies a crucial milestone in the relationship between the PSRA and PRO. The successful negotiation of a new CBA demonstrates the willingness of both parties to compromise and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. As MLS matches resume with official referees back on the field, the focus now shifts towards ensuring consistent and high-quality officiating throughout the remainder of the season.
Leave a Reply