The CFL players’ association has told players from seven of the CFL’s nine clubs to participate in a work stoppage beginning today. Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders players will report to camp but will join the work stoppage once provincial labour laws allow. The Riders were originally scheduled to open up their camp at Griffiths Stadium this morning.
Labour talks between the CFL and the CFL Players’ Association broke off Saturday night, this lead to the players’ association telling their members not to report to camp Sunday.
The last agreement, reached in 2019 and amended last year to allow the league to stage a 14-game campaign, expired at midnight eastern time Saturday.
CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie released this statement Saturday on the league’s latest offer:
Dear CFL Players:
This document summarizes the CFL’s offer that was presented to the union today, for your consideration.
It’s designed to build a true partnership with you, our talented, hard working, community minded CFL players.
It increases total player compensation by more than $24 million over the term of the agreement – plus an opportunity to share in revenue increases as we successfully work together to grow the league.
It protects jobs for Canadian players, the bedrock of the CFL.
It offers partially guaranteed contracts, for the first time in our league’s history.
It recognizes the contribution of veteran Americans, with a new opportunity to extend their careers with their team, without restricting free agency in any way.
It includes two increases in the league’s minimum salary.
It provides certainty and stability, with a 7-year-term.
Here are the details:
• $18.9 million in total guaranteed increases to the salary cap league-wide.
• $5.94 million in guaranteed compensation paid for community outreach and promotional appearances league-wide.
• An opportunity for twenty-five per cent of all revenue growth over an agreed upon threshold, to be added to the salary cap starting in 2023.
• Clubs would be permitted to re-sign their veterans to partially guaranteed contracts, a first for the CFL.
• A club would be allowed to choose one American player (non-quarterback), who has been in the league for at least four years or has played with the same team for at least three years, who would be considered a Nationalized American.
• This one Nationalized American would count as a National on the roster. He would join 20 or 21 Canadians who also count as Nationals on the roster.
• Each roster would have a minimum of seven National starters. This would include at least six Canadian players. The seventh starter could be either the Nationalized American or an additional Canadian.
• The roster would also include three quarterbacks of any nationality, 19 Americans and up to two Global players.
• A starting Canadian quarterback would count as a National (Canadian).
• These roster changes would kick in as of 2023.
• The minimum salary would increase to $70,000 in 2023 and $75,000 in 2027.
• An updated Code of Conduct that applies to all members of the CFL Community, including fans, instead of just players.
• A seat for your union on the Board of CFL Ventures, the commercial arm of the league, will allow us to work together on marketing our league and building our business.
An agreement based on this offer helps everyone across the CFL. Fans can expect improved roster continuity, something that has been a top priority for them for years. Our clubs will be able to consistently market their star players, with more confidence they could re-sign.
But this is about you and your career, first and foremost. That’s why this offer protects roster spots for our great Canadian players who mean so much to the CFL, it celebrates the veteran American players who have built careers here, and it includes increases for all players, including players paid the league minimum.
This is a win-win offer. It creates a stronger partnership, so we can work together to further improve our game and build our business. And it comes at a critical time. Our league, our clubs, and especially our players have been through so much during the pandemic. We turned the corner in 2021, working together to get back on the field. Now we have an opportunity to accelerate towards a brighter future.
Let’s seize that opportunity, together.
Commissioner Randy Ambrosie
As of 8 o’clock Sunday morning, three teams in addition to the Riders have officially cancelled practice today. That includes the Montreal Alouettes, Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Riders are tentatively scheduled to take to the field at Griffiths Stadium at 9 o’clock Monday morning pending the outcome of the on-going labour strike.
Below are photos from Griffiths Stadium Sunday morning. Some players can be seen working out on the field beside the stadium along with some fans hoping something transpires with the CBA.
