Masters of Negotiation?
Posted 8:48 AM ET | Comments 0
After seeing the article yesterday evening on Yahoo Sports that the NHLPA offered to Tuesday to sit down and talk on Wednesday, I found myself a little disgusted. Yes, more disgusted than I already was with this whole process. Apparently, the NHL advised that did not feel it is necessary to talk if the NHLPA did not have a new proposal to bring to the table.
Am I missing something here. I thought the idea behind negotiating a new CBA involved actually negotiating. In my mind that means both sides make a proposal, they sit down and discuss the differences and work towards a mutually beneficial solution. At this point, this has not been a negotiation.
The NHL seems to have the position of "we are willing to discuss an agreement as long as it is our agreement and there is no discussion". It is clear that the NHL has no interest in negotiating, they have an agenda and a goal and, until they reach that goal, there will be no discussion. So how can you have a contract negotiation where no one is talking. I don't get it and it offends us lowly fans.
I tend to side with the owners from a financial perspective. It is their business and they can run it any way they like and have a right to dictate terms to some extent. They also are the ones who take the risk as the business owners. On the other hand, the players deserve to not take a pay cut and have rights because they also take risks and are the backbone of hockey. We want to see the stars and the talent.
At this point I am disappointed in both sides, but more so at the draconian tactics of the the NHL. I will not longer say it is Gary Bettman who is responsible, he is following the orders of the owners and is very good at what he does.
It comes down to respect. It seems to me that there is very little respect for the players from the NHL perspective. I would think that there would be more attempt at working together for the mutual benefit of all. Instead ego's and agenda rule the day. Quite frankly, they are acting like little children who repeatedly and stubbornly say, " I want to use this contract." They have no interest in hearing an alternative.
I sincerely think that this is out of hand. Some one needs to step in and force the two sides into a room and to NEGOTIATE until this is resolved. I think this applies to all professional sports. When auto workers, transportation workers or grocery store employees have a contract dispute, they negotiate between the union and the employer to resolve the dispute as if there lives depend on it, which they do. The employer cannot provide goods and services without the employee and the employee cannot put food on the table without a paycheck.
The NHL and NHLPA are not constrained by these factors. There livelihood does not depend on hockey. This is a secondary business for most owners and the players have accumulated wealth as well. While this is a private enterprise, the business of hockey does impact the community. All of the people employed and who make a living as a result of hockey lose money. The fans have no recourse but to sit by and watch and then come back grudgingly when it is all over. There is no integrity or responsibility in what the NHL and players are doing right now.
Please put your egos aside and get into a room like adults and human beings who actually give a crap about anyone besides themselves!
Am I missing something here. I thought the idea behind negotiating a new CBA involved actually negotiating. In my mind that means both sides make a proposal, they sit down and discuss the differences and work towards a mutually beneficial solution. At this point, this has not been a negotiation.
The NHL seems to have the position of "we are willing to discuss an agreement as long as it is our agreement and there is no discussion". It is clear that the NHL has no interest in negotiating, they have an agenda and a goal and, until they reach that goal, there will be no discussion. So how can you have a contract negotiation where no one is talking. I don't get it and it offends us lowly fans.
I tend to side with the owners from a financial perspective. It is their business and they can run it any way they like and have a right to dictate terms to some extent. They also are the ones who take the risk as the business owners. On the other hand, the players deserve to not take a pay cut and have rights because they also take risks and are the backbone of hockey. We want to see the stars and the talent.
At this point I am disappointed in both sides, but more so at the draconian tactics of the the NHL. I will not longer say it is Gary Bettman who is responsible, he is following the orders of the owners and is very good at what he does.
It comes down to respect. It seems to me that there is very little respect for the players from the NHL perspective. I would think that there would be more attempt at working together for the mutual benefit of all. Instead ego's and agenda rule the day. Quite frankly, they are acting like little children who repeatedly and stubbornly say, " I want to use this contract." They have no interest in hearing an alternative.
I sincerely think that this is out of hand. Some one needs to step in and force the two sides into a room and to NEGOTIATE until this is resolved. I think this applies to all professional sports. When auto workers, transportation workers or grocery store employees have a contract dispute, they negotiate between the union and the employer to resolve the dispute as if there lives depend on it, which they do. The employer cannot provide goods and services without the employee and the employee cannot put food on the table without a paycheck.
The NHL and NHLPA are not constrained by these factors. There livelihood does not depend on hockey. This is a secondary business for most owners and the players have accumulated wealth as well. While this is a private enterprise, the business of hockey does impact the community. All of the people employed and who make a living as a result of hockey lose money. The fans have no recourse but to sit by and watch and then come back grudgingly when it is all over. There is no integrity or responsibility in what the NHL and players are doing right now.
Please put your egos aside and get into a room like adults and human beings who actually give a crap about anyone besides themselves!