Today, the United Steelworkers (USW) announced their withdrawal as the bargaining agent for players in the United Football League (UFL). This decision ends a brief partnership that began when the league was established just over a year ago. The USW’s exit comes at a time when many UFL players were already considering other options for representation.
In their official statement, the USW expressed gratitude for the chance to represent the players during the UFL’s first year. They also encouraged players to carefully evaluate any new unions that may seek to represent them. The USW also mentions the partnership is the “first professional sports league branched under the USW.” However, that is not quite true as they are partnered with the CFLPA.
Here is the full statement from the USW:
USW Withdrawal from UFL
The United Steelworkers has informed our player membership of their petition withdrawal. Unfortunately, they will no longer serve as our bargaining agent. We are thankful to have had the protection and representation by a historically trusted union with such a successful track record. As the first professional sports league branched under the USW, we were able to have a strong voice at the table on behalf of players, gaining more benefits from year one to present. The USW was brought to us by former players for a reason, and we appreciate the Steelworkers’ service throughout the duration of our first CBA.
We urge players to take caution and make an informed decision when choosing representation going forward. The UFL player membership should run a professional search and confidential background check on any newly organized union posing as “united” to persuade players who cast deciding ballots. It is unnatural for any organization to obstruct the growth and preservation of player benefits for their self-elected personal gain. This is certainly not a meaningful application of “players helping players.” Despite these circumstances, we will always believe it is better in an established union.
Dartez Jacobs, Union President
Background on the USW’s Partnership
The USW, prior to the merge of the XFL and USFL, were representing the USFL players for two seasons. During the XFL’s 2023 season the USW tried to represent XFL players as well.
However, XFL players rejected them and were in favor of the the NFLPA representing them instead. Former San Antonio Brahmas kicker Parker Romo tweeted the possibility.
When the XFL and USFL merged to become the United Football League. The USFLPA became the UFLPA under the United Steelworkers. This union was a sticking point in the negotiations with the US government over the merger. Government officials didn’t want the merger to break up the union. So players were stuck with them, at least for the first season until they can vote to get rid of them after the season completed.
UFL News Hub has heard from our sources that during the UFL season, players were already seeking alternative representation. In effect what happened today is the UFL players told the USW they are no longer interested in being represented by them and allowed them to save face with this statement… we have been told.
Players like current Battlehawks quarterback AJ McCarron have been key advocates for this potential shift. They believe that aligning with the NFLPA could offer UFL players stronger representation and better benefits.
A NFLPA Partnership With The UFL
Every off season UFL players move from the UFL to NFL and back. Former Seattle Sea Dragons QB Ben DiNucci was let go by the Denver Broncos during the UFL season. Fans were excited of a potential return of the star QB. Sources told us at the time, one of the factors in not returning to spring football was he would stand to loose is NFLPA union benefits.
If the UFL players can get under the NFL union, this would solve this issue. It would also be a nice carrot to dangle for future UFL players and sponsors that there is this type of ‘partnership” with the NFL, even though it is on the union side only.
In the end despite the brief nature of their relationship, the USW did helped the UFL players navigate their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). During the season they worked with the UFL to fix the dispute between the UFL and the UFL Players regarding player bonuses as well. But in the end, it seems like the players want to go in a different direction, possibly with the NFLPA.
We will have more on this story during the UFL off season.
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