It looks like things are getting more tense as we get closer to kickoff on March 28th. The UFPA has filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board.
The UFPA put out the following press release.
UFL OWNERS ACCUSED OF BREAKING LAW IN ONGOING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS
Today the Players of the United Football League filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board in connection with their ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with the United Football League (UFL). The UFL is funded by Fox Sports, RedBird Capital Partners, Dany Garcia, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The Players filed the charges through their independent union, the United Football Players Association (UFPA).
The Players reported the following unlawful conduct on the part of the UFL:
• Threatening to cut Players because of their participation in protected union activities
• Cutting Quentin Dormady in response to his participation in protected union activities
• Creating new rules regarding Player discipline to discourage Players from participating in protected union activities
• Creating rules regarding Player discipline that have a reasonable tendency to chill Players from exercising their right
• Denying the union access to league facilities
• Threatening to remove union representatives from any stadium to which the union has lawful access rights
• Engaging in surveillance of Player representatives to discourage them from participating in protected union activities
• Increasing the program of surveillance with respect to Player participation in protected union activities
• Threatening to discipline Players
• Failing and refusing to provide information requested by the union that is relevant and necessary to collective bargaining
The labor charges come after weeks of labor strife inside the UFL. On February 22nd, all 24 of the league’s quarterbacks signed a letter sent to Russ Brandon (UFL CEO & President) and Daryl Johnston (UFL EVP of Football Ops), calling the league’s CBA proposals “unacceptable and insulting” and stating that the owners had threatened to lock out the UFL quarterback training camp, which is set to begin.
On March 5th, ESPN reported allegations that league management had threatened to cut any players who skipped the league’s media day. Quentin Dormady, on Tuesday, ESPN reported an allegation that UFL owners illegally retaliated against quarterback Quentin Dormady over an unproven accusation before they fired the player, by cutting him from the roster.
The UFPA continues to work directly with the UFL players to advocate for a fair contract to be signed before the season is set to begin.
ABOUT THE UNITED FOOTBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION (UFPA)
The UFPA is a professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests and welfare of football players. Our mission is to provide support, representation, and resources to players in order to ensure fair treatment, competitive wages, and safe working conditions.
Learn more at https://ufpaunion.org
1 Comment
by 4th&long
This is all on the players or shall i say a handful with crapfest union support. All of it.
Half the QBs didn’t sign on till 2025 and close to camp. This players union is a joke. No players has a contract beyond this season. In theory ALL players could be gone in 2026 yet are making demands? Get a life. All the players signed on knowing the compensation and were fine with it. Own your decision or leave.
The vast majority of players want to play and the comp is fine, averaging over 60K for a full season is good for max 16 weeks.
The players who want to play should take the necessary steps to terminate the union, file what ever paperwork is needed and get how many signatures are required. The only result of pushing this is the league folds and no one wants that. Fans, Players, Owners etc… but somehow the UFPA is playing with fire. Idiots.
Someone running this union thinks they will benefit – who is that?