Key Points:
- The UFL officially recognizes the United Steelworkers (USW Local 9004) as the exclusive bargaining representative for its players.
- The newly adopted CBA includes increased wages, larger rosters, incentive-based bonuses, reduced fines, and updated concussion protocols.
- The UFL becomes the first spring football league with a labor union representation at the start of league operation, promising a progressive season in 2024.
UFL- USW Partnership Solidified
The United Steelworkers (USW) has secured its position as the exclusive bargaining representative of UFL players, marking a significant step in labor relations. The league has committed to adopting the collective bargaining agreement initially established between the USFL and the USW. This strategic move ensures a seamless transition as the two eight-team leagues merge into a singular entity. Fans and players alike can anticipate a unified and stable league as the 2024 season approaches.
Enhanced Player Benefits
The renegotiated collective bargaining agreement introduces several benefits aimed at improving player welfare and performance. Key enhancements include incentive-based player bonuses, a general increase in player wages, and an expanded roster size. Additionally, the agreement outlines a reduction in player fines and substantial adjustments to the league’s concussion protocol. These changes reflect the league’s commitment to player safety and financial well-being.
Collective Bargaining Agreement Architects
The landmark agreement is the result of diligent negotiations by a team of dedicated individuals. Key figures include Richard Rouco (Union attorney), Alex Perkins (USW Staff Representative), and representatives from various teams such as Vad Lee (Philadelphia Stars) and Jonathan Newsome (Birmingham Stallions). Their collective efforts have crafted an agreement that promises to shape the future of the UFL, ensuring fair and progressive labor relations.
UFLPA: Empowering Players
The United Football League Players’ Association (Local 9004), in collaboration with the USW, serves as the collective voice for 600 UFL players. The union’s primary mission is to protect player rights and establish fair working conditions. As the UFL gears up for its inaugural 2024 season, the players’ association stands ready to enforce the CBA, advocate for player welfare, and foster community engagement, setting a precedent for the future of spring football leagues.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26 2024
United Football League Recognition of United Steelworkers (USW Local 9004) and Adoption of USFL- USW Collective Bargaining Agreement
The United Steelworkers (USW) have received recognition as the exclusive bargaining representative of UFL players. The UFL will adopt the collective bargaining agreement between the United States Football League (USFL) and the USW as modified by the Memorandum of Agreement (CBA) entered into by the USFL and USW on January 3 2024. The renegotiated contract will ensure continuity of labor relations between the league and players as the merger officially transitions two eight-team leagues into one eight-team league for the 2024 season.
The deal includes the addition of incentive-based player bonuses, an increase in wages and roster size, a reduction in player fines, and adjustments to the league concussion protocol. The collective bargaining agreement will remain binding on the UFL and the USW for the duration of the CBA. The league shall bargain with no other Union for the representation of UFL players within the bargaining unit during the life of this contract.
The adopted USFL – USW CBA was negotiated by Richard Rouco (Union attorney), Alex Perkins (USW Staff Representative), Dartez Jacobs (Local Union President), Devin Gray (Local Union Vice President), Vad Lee (Philadelphia Stars), Jonathan Newsome (Birmingham Stallions), Boogie Roberts (Pittsburgh Maulers), Brandon Wright (Memphis Showboats), Kristjan Sokoli (Houston Gamblers), and Josh Love (Michigan Panthers).
For the 2024 inaugural season, the UFL will become the first spring football league to have players represented by an established labor union at the start of league operation.
About the UFLPA (USW Local Union 9004)
The United Football League Players’ Association (Local 9004) is the local union for professional football players in the United Football League (UFL). The players’ union serves as the exclusive collective bargaining representative alongside the United Steelworkers (USW) for 600 UFL players set to report in training camp February 23 2024. Unionized in 2022, the Players’ Union mission is to ensure protection of player rights and establish fair working conditions regarding all terms of employment. In addition to enforcing player protection under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the UFLPA collaborates with community organizations to enhance players’ image and assist with post career endeavors.
About the USW
The USW represents 850,000 workers employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply, and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number in tech, public sector, and service occupations. The USW continues to diversify with the representation of former USFL-XFL players who are now employed in the UFL.
2 Comments
by scott A farley
No concrete details in Salary, incentives etc. Would like to have seen those numbers.
by Ken Granito
I agree with Scott.