ECHL players go on strike; games postponed

The players of the ECHL have initiated a midseason strike, with their union Friday accusing the league of refusing to bargain in good faith.

The ECHL postponed 13 games slated for Friday as a result of the work stoppage.

The Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) represents minor league hockey players in the American Hockey League and the ECHL, formerly called the East Coast Hockey League. The ECHL is two tiers below the NHL and has 30 teams that all hold an affiliation with an NHL franchise.

In a vote last week, PHPA members voted to authorize its bargaining committee to call for a strike. Negotiations have been ongoing since January, and according to the union, the league presented a proposal Wednesday that it described as its final offer.

"This proposal failed to meaningfully address key health, safety and economic issues and misrepresented the impact of the proposed financial changes," the PHPA said in a lengthy statement. "The union also is also aware that the league is currently directing teams to engage in unlawful activities, including evictions and the removal of medical benefits, for participating in protected union activity."

The ECHL, in a response, accused union leaders of depriving players "the opportunity to vote on our last, best and final offer."

"We did everything possible to avoid this outcome and hope that the union leadership will drop its unworkable scheduling demands, let the players vote on our offer and make it possible for players to return to work," the league said in a statement."

The union identified six core issues that it feels the league's offers have failed to address.

The players are seeking a league-wide holiday break -- including no travel -- for Dec. 24-26, which would align with the NHL's current schedule. They are seeking "reasonable limitations on travel between games played on consecutive days," citing health and safety concerns.

The other big areas where the union and league are apart are guaranteed contracts, health benefits, group rights and player compensation. The players want a group licensing framework a la other North American sports leagues. As for compensation, they're asking for a $19,500 weekly salary cap with increases in future seasons.

The league claims it has promised a 19.8% increase in the salary cap in its latest proposal.

--Field Level Media