What started as a disagreement between two organizations has turned into a highly publicized mess.
The MLS referee lockout has entered its second week. The Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), which is the union that represents MLS referees, rejected an offer made by the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), who manages the referees and assistant referees for the M.L.S.
The PSRA filed a pair of unfair labor practices charges with the National Labor Relations Board, accusing the PRO of bad faith bargaining and making threats against PSRA members.
“We have made a substantial proposal to the Professional Soccer Referees Association and believe it is very fair and reasonable,” PRO general manager Peter Walton said. “Our proposal represents a significant increase above current compensation for referees and places them above the average for officials around the world. We are disappointed it has been rejected. ”
The sides were $440,000 apart on a total compensation package that includes salaries and game fees for officials. Another source said the divide was $1 million.
The PSRA then widened the chasm between the organizations by publishing a “burn book” type document that blast the replacement refs resumes. It can be seen here.
It seems that this is an old fashioned standoff between two sides that refuse to budge. And this during a season where the MLS is trying to make strides to expand their footprint and audience. With two more teams to be added by 2015, the MLS needs all the publicity it can get, but it’s doubtful this is what they had in mind.
