ST CATHERINES, ONT – The premier “AA” minor pro hockey league has been the ECHL for a number of years. This designation is due, in part, to the representation of the league’s players by the Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA). The Central Hockey League sees its place as on the same level as the ECHL.
The 2008-2009 professional hockey season is approaching and the PHPA is set to celebrate the addition of the to its roster of represented leagues and players. At least once the current agreements are finalized and the looming labor dispute is settled.
On the PHPA web site, an announcement stated that the union was calling a strike against the CHL effective 30 September 2008. Several items were cited by the PHPA as requiring attention by the CHL including salary cap, off-ice insurance, per diem, and travel reimbursement.
The PHPA strike call comes less than one week before the start of training camps which are set to open on 6 October. The threat of labor unrest in the CHL in murky economic times must be seen as a potential damaging event. Discretionary dollars in the pockets of fans are shrinking and the possible loss of playing dates and revenue streams cannot make anyone feel comfortable.
In its response to the PHPA, the CHL’s press release defended the league’s actions and stated there had been four meetings over the summer to discuss an initial Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the league and the PHPA. The CHL also stated referred to CBA negotiations between the PHPA and other leagues as taking as many as 15 months.
Pro Hockey News has contacted several clubs around the league for comment on the potential for a work stoppage with all inquiries referred to the CHL offices in Phoenix. Communication with the PHPA have not been returned.
Pro Hockey News is working this story and will continue to provide information to our readers.
Contact the author at lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com .
