MLB announces first work stoppage in 26 years |
Major League Baseball announced a lockout of its players on Thursday morning after a few meetings on Wednesday.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement ended at 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday and starts the first work stoppage since 1994-1995. “Today is a difficult day for baseball, but as I have said all year, there is a path to a fair agreement, and we will find it,” Commissioner Rob Manfred wrote in a letter to fans. “I do not doubt the League, and the Players share a fundamental appreciation for this game and a commitment to its fans. I remain optimistic that both sides will seize the opportunity to work together to grow, protect, and strengthen the game we love.” “To be clear: this hard but important step does not necessarily mean games will be canceled. “In fact, we are taking this step now because it accelerates the urgency for an agreement with as much runway as possible to avoid doing damage to the 2022 season.” The MLB Players Association also released a statement. “This drastic and unnecessary measure will not affect the Players’ resolve to reach a fair contract,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said in a statement. “We remain committed to negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement that enhances competition, improves the product for our fans, and advances the rights and benefits of our membership.”
