The recent resolution of the month-long lockout of MLS referees signals a positive development in the labor dispute between the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and the Professional Referee Organization (PRO). According to sources, the PSRA has voted to ratify a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with PRO, bringing an end to the standoff.
With a reported 77.4% approval rate from the voting members of the PSRA, the new CBA is set to last for seven years, through the end of the 2030 season. This duration was a point of concern for union members who did not want the agreement to span two World Cup cycles. Despite this, the ratification of the deal indicates a willingness to compromise from both sides.
Traditionally, a new CBA includes a pay increase for referees. However, in this case, the terms of the deal will provide retroactive pay for January and part of February but will not cover the period of the lockout itself. This omission raises questions about the fairness of the agreement, especially considering the hardship endured by the referees during the lockout.
The negotiations leading up to the ratification of the new CBA were marked by tension and disagreement between the PSRA and PRO. The rejection of PRO’s offer of a no strike/no lockout provision led to the lockout of the referees and the use of replacement officials for the first month of the season. This move by PRO soured the relationship between the two sides and raised concerns about the future of collective bargaining in MLS.
Throughout the lockout and subsequent use of replacement referees, concerns were raised about the quality of officiating in MLS matches. Despite attempts by MLS executives to downplay these concerns, data showed an increase in VAR interventions compared to previous seasons. Additionally, instances like the referee wearing a team jersey and controversies surrounding Travel benefits further fueled criticism of the league’s handling of the situation.
The approval of a second Tentative Agreement last Friday indicates that both parties were able to reach a compromise on the outstanding issues. The new CBA reportedly includes significant wage increases for referees, assistant referees, VAR officials, and assistant VAR officials. These increases, which vary based on experience levels, aim to address the needs and demands of the officiating staff in MLS.
While the resolution of the lockout and the ratification of a new CBA are positive steps towards resolving the labor dispute in MLS, there are still critical issues that need to be addressed. The handling of the negotiations, the payment of retroactive compensation, and the quality of officiating are all areas that require further scrutiny and improvement. Moving forward, it will be essential for both the PSRA and PRO to work together to ensure a fair and equitable working environment for the referees in MLS.