The negotiations between the Professional Soccer Referees (PSRA) and the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) have taken a contentious turn, with PRO filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against the PSRA. Amid a lockout of PSRA referees initiated by PRO after the rejection of a tentative collective bargaining agreement, tensions have escalated. The accusation against PSRA executive board member Chris Penso for allegedly threatening potential replacement workers has only added fuel to the fire.
This recent ULP charge is not the first instance of conflict between PRO and PSRA. The PSRA had previously filed two ULP charges against PRO, one of which alleged “direct dealing” by PRO representatives with union members about CBA talks without union leadership present. Another charge claimed that PRO’s general manager, Mark Geiger, engaged in regressive bargaining tactics and threatened a lockout if the tentative agreement wasn’t approved.
In response to PRO’s filing, PSRA president Peter Manikowski stated that the union is reviewing the document and reiterated that the National Labor Relations Board is investigating the charges the union previously filed. Both sides have engaged in a war of words, with MLS commissioner Don Garber expressing disappointment over the rejection of the tentative agreement, and PSRA countering by accusing PRO of underhanded negotiation tactics. PRO’s stance has been to defend its actions as necessary for the bargaining process to move forward.
The impact of the ongoing dispute between PSRA and PRO is not limited to the bargaining table. The MLS regular season has already begun, with replacement referees filling in for the locked-out officials. This substitution raises concerns about the quality and consistency of officiating in league matches. The uncertainty surrounding the negotiations has cast a shadow over the start of the season and created a sense of instability within the officiating community.
With CBA talks set to resume in the coming weeks, both parties will need to find common ground to avoid further disruptions to the season. The involvement of a federal mediator signals the seriousness of the situation and the need for an impartial third party to facilitate negotiations. The resolution of this dispute will not only impact the working conditions of referees but also the overall integrity of the league and its operations.
As the tensions between PSRA and PRO continue to escalate, the future of officiating in MLS hangs in the balance. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will shape the relationship between referees and the league management for years to come. It is imperative for both parties to prioritize communication, transparency, and mutual respect to reach a resolution that serves the best interests of all stakeholders involved. Only by working together can they ensure a sustainable and harmonious working environment for referees and maintain the quality of competition in the league.