The negotiations between the Professional Soccer Referees (PSRA) and the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) have taken a contentious turn, with PRO filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against PSRA. The charge alleges that a PSRA executive board member unlawfully coerced potential replacement workers by threatening their eligibility for college soccer officiating assignments during a lockout.
PRO initiated the lockout after PSRA rejected a tentative collective bargaining agreement, marking the second lockout in the past decade. PSRA is advocating for increased compensation and improved travel accommodations. The MLS season commenced with replacement referees officiating games, sourced from professional, college, and youth ranks.
CBA discussions are set to resume with a federal mediator present. The ULP charge accuses PSRA members of revoking college assignments of replacement officials, which the document argues is protected under the National Labor Relations Act.
PSRA had previously filed two ULP charges against PRO, one for direct dealing with union members and another for alleged regressive bargaining tactics. PRO's general manager's letter warning of a lockout if the agreement wasn't approved was deemed retaliatory by PSRA.
PSRA president stated that the union is reviewing the ULP filing and highlighted ongoing investigations into their charges against PRO. The bargaining process has been marred by disagreements, with MLS commissioner expressing disappointment over the rejection of the tentative agreement.
PSRA defended its stance, citing the inadequacy of the proposed agreement and the need to convey this to its membership. PRO countered, stating that the offer to maintain wages during negotiations was a legal requirement. The parties remain at odds as negotiations continue.
