ST CATHERINES, ON – The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) is pleased to announce that on Monday September 28th, following the Central Hockey League (CHL) Board of Governors approval, the PHPA and the CHL confirmed agreement on an inaugural Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) after the overwhelming majority of CHL Players voted in favor of the agreement.
Under the inaugural CBA, players will see increases to per-diem (meal money) and playoff shares, as well as their off-ice insurance premiums paid by the Club. However, some of the larger improvements are of non-monetary value. Players will now have a formal arbitration process, a new Standard Players Contract, receive rights to medical records and second medical opinions, enhancements to the veteran rule, travel reimbursement, and lodging provisions, as well as a revised reserve system. Negotiations towards a long-term agreement will begin no later than February 28, 2010.
“This is a great deal to start with and one on which we can build when we open negotiations in the new year,” said PHPA Executive Director, Larry Landon. Players will also have access to a variety of programs such as a Membership Assistance Program which is a 24/7/365 counseling service for players, a Career Enhancement Program for players wishing to advance their education, as well as a Group Licensing Authorization Program which protects player likeness rights.
“I would like to thank the many past and present CHL players whose input, courage, and leadership throughout this process was instrumental in reaching this agreement, paving a better path for current and future CHL players,” added Landon. “The PHPA looks to build a long-standing, stable working relationship with the CHL and it’s Member Clubs as we have in the American Hockey League and ECHL.”
“After many months of discussion, we feel we have reached a middle ground that is the basis for building a spirit of cooperation between the CHL and the PHPA,” said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner.
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