It looks as though the NHL and NHLPA can finally agree on something that may spurn talks to end their on going labor dispute in the right direction.
According to Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service director George H. Cohen, both sides have agreed to bring in Federal mediation to help talks between the NHL and Players Union regarding a new CBA.
“I have had separate, informal discussions with the key representatives of the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association during the course of their negotiations for a successor collective bargaining agreement.
“At the invitation of the FMCS, and with the agreement of both parties, the ongoing negotiations will now be conducted under our auspices. I have assigned Deputy Director Scot L. Beckenbaugh, Director of Mediation Services John Sweeney, and Commissioner Guy Serota to serve as the mediators.
“Due to the extreme sensitivity of these negotiations and consistent with the FMCS’s long-standing practice, the Agency will refrain from any public comment concerning the future schedule and/or the status of the negotiations until further notice.”
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly also confirmed the move to the Star Tribune’s Michael Russo.
“The FMCS reached out to both sides independently, and apparently we both agreed that we are prepared to explore the process,” said Daly.
“I have no level of expectation at this point. We’ll see how it goes and perhaps something good will come of it.”
Donald Fehr of the NHLPA also released a statement regarding mediation via CSNChicago.com’s Tracey Myers.
“The NHLPA has agreed to the addition of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) to our ongoing negotiations. We look forward to (mediators’) involvement as we continue working to reach an equitable agreement for both players and owners.”
Due to the ongoing labor battle the NHL cancelled more regular season games up until December 14th including the All-Star weekend in Columbus.
h/t: CSNChicago.com, Star Tribune, NBC Sports
