CFL (Non-Bombers) off-season news

[theaardvark]

My understanding is that they've been stuck at 70,000 minimum salary unchanged since 2023. Inflation in Canada has been about 8% over that time, equating to an 8% pay cut for these guys. They work hard, careers are short, I'd rather give another 10,000 per year to the botttom of the roster guys than 20-30,000 more to the top. But then, I was a socialist in my youth. 

But would you rather give $10k extra to 21 guys, or 3 more guys $70k?

Smae outlay, but 3 more players.  Imagine having 7 DI's to spread around...

[Jesse]

My understanding is that they've been stuck at 70,000 minimum salary unchanged since 2023. Inflation in Canada has been about 8% over that time, equating to an 8% pay cut for these guys. They work hard, careers are short, I'd rather give another 10,000 per year to the botttom of the roster guys than 20-30,000 more to the top. But then, I was a socialist in my youth. 

Yup, because the CBA was done in 2022. I imagine they'll get a bump in the next CBA, but not before.

[bunker]

Yup, because the CBA was done in 2022. I imagine they'll get a bump in the next CBA, but not before.

The CFLPA had the freedom to allocate the increase differently. For example they allocated 50,000 per team for veteran pre-season compensation. I think the fact that they didn't allocate any to the ELC guys is a comment on who runs the CFLPA. I think it's skewed toward the interests of more longstanding higher paid players.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Yup, because the CBA was done in 2022. I imagine they'll get a bump in the next CBA, but not before.

"The current CFL/CFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement runs for seven years, officially expiring on December 31, 2029, or 30 days prior to the first day of training camp in 2029. However, a key opt-out clause exists that allows either side to reopen negotiations ahead of the 2027 season, based on the expiration of the league's TV deal. "

The current deal runs for 7 years?  That's crazy, a lot of hate must have built up between the 2 sides!.

[Jesse]

"The current CFL/CFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement runs for seven years, officially expiring on December 31, 2029, or 30 days prior to the first day of training camp in 2029. However, a key opt-out clause exists that allows either side to reopen negotiations ahead of the 2027 season, based on the expiration of the league's TV deal. "

The current deal runs for 7 years?  That's crazy, a lot of hate must have built up between the 2 sides!.

The CFLPA has an opt out date that's mentioned in what you posted. If they're unhappy, they can go back to the bargaining table.

[blue_gold_84]

Lions re-sign RB Butler through 2027

[Jesse]

The CFLPA had the freedom to allocate the increase differently. For example they allocated 50,000 per team for veteran pre-season compensation. I think the fact that they didn't allocate any to the ELC guys is a comment on who runs the CFLPA. I think it's skewed toward the interests of more longstanding higher paid players.

We obviously don't have full transparency (because CFL), but I doubt the CFLPA has full discretion to do whatever the want with the new money.

That said, I don't think they're concerned with the minimum salary. They want to represent the members who are already part of the league (hence the veteran bump you mentioned). I think they're less worried about players who haven't played a snap yet.

[theaardvark]

We obviously don't have full transparency (because CFL), but I doubt the CFLPA has full discretion to do whatever the want with the new money.

That said, I don't think they're concerned with the minimum salary. They want to represent the members who are already part of the league (hence the veteran bump you mentioned). I think they're less worried about players who haven't played a snap yet.

There has always been the question about whether the CFLPA serves the vets in the league, who make up their board and voting block, or all the players, including potential players.

I'm not sure what the requirements are for a new member, do they join and get a vote as soon as they are signed to even a futures or PR deal?  Or is it only players on AR's that are "dues paying members".

If they serve all members and potential members equally, expanding the rosters should be a higher priority than getting the top 5% a pay bump...

That's just my opinion.