CFL contract talks break off, teams cancelling training camps

Linebacker Jameer Thurman and the Calgary Stampeders tried to return to some form of normality at McMahon Stadium on Sunday beneath uncommon circumstances.

After the CFL and CFL Gamers’ Affiliation broke off negotiations on a brand new collective bargaining settlement Saturday, the union directed gamers from seven of the league’s 9 groups to take part in a piece stoppage. Nonetheless, gamers with the Stampeders and Edmonton Elks reported to their respective camps Sunday since they will not be in a authorized strike place till later this month, as per Alberta’s labour legal guidelines.

“We should not be out right here proper now,” mentioned Thurman. “The remainder of the league’s on strike.

“We voted to be on strike as effectively, however the Alberta legal guidelines are a bit bit completely different, so we’re required to be out right here however we stand with the PA and every little thing. Hopefully we are able to get this resolved and get again to enjoying soccer.”

On Sunday night time, the Montreal Alouettes introduced all of its coaching camp practices had been being suspended “till additional discover.”

The league’s final labour settlement, reached in 2019 and amended final yr to permit the league to stage a 14-game marketing campaign, expired at midnight Saturday.

The lone earlier CFL strike got here in 1974. The labour state of affairs was resolved earlier than the beginning of the season that yr.

It is unclear when the CFL and CFLPA will resume negotiations.

Based on Derek Wiggan, Calgary’s participant rep, he and his teammates have religion a deal will get accomplished earlier than the Stamps could be in a authorized place to affix the strike motion in a number of days.

“We’ll undergo the method after which on Wednesday we’ll see what occurs,” mentioned the defensive lineman, who’s getting into his seventh season with the Stamps. “I am actually hopeful. We belief in our bargaining group. I do know they will get us one thing good, so it is only a matter of getting it accomplished by Wednesday.”

Head coach Dave Dickenson can be optimistic a deal will get accomplished. He mentioned he and his employees can go about making ready Calgary for its first pre-season sport Could 28 when the Stampeders are slated to host the B.C. Lions.

“All people has that additional buzz proper now,” Dickenson mentioned. “We have been all wanting ahead to get 2022 began. And I inform the blokes (they’re) going to wish to be right here this yr, as a result of we’ll have a heck of a yr.

“We will do some issues – we’ll have enjoyable, and we’ll play successful soccer. And I believe our guys have purchased in as a result of they’re excited to be right here.”

Dickenson appreciated what he noticed from his group of returning gamers and rookies after they took to the turf on Sunday morning.

“The power’s good,” he mentioned. “The positivity’s there. The gamers are dedicated. Coaches are excited to see what we have applied (and) whether or not we are able to get that communication to the gamers and maintain the small print.

“Additionally, there’s choices being made in three days so far as who makes the group and who does not, so we management what we are able to management.”

Shortly after talks broke down Saturday, CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie went public with the league’s closing supply to the union. However in a memo to its membership, the CFLPA mentioned Sunday the league’s proposal was summarily rejected by each Alberta groups.

“After having commissioner Ambrosie define the CFLs proposal in a letter to our membership (Saturday), we carried out our Alberta strike (Sunday morning).

“Ninety-nine per cent of our members voted to strike the CFL, which may solely be interpreted as a 99 per cent rejection of the CFL’s supply. We reiterate our supply to the CFL to return to the bargaining desk and negotiate in good religion.”

And the CFLPA mentioned if the CFL chooses to not resume negotiations quickly, it should have a full-blown strike to cope with.

“Our Alberta members will probably be off the job later this week and on strike with the remainder of the CFLPA members if the CFL doesn’t return to the bargaining desk and we attain a good settlement,” the memo mentioned.

Regardless of all of the unknowns with how the labour state of affairs will pan out, veteran quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell mentioned it was nice to be again practising along with his teammates.

“The locker-room feels superior as a result of guys are simply excited to be again enjoying soccer,” mentioned Mitchell, who acknowledged that exterior elements have difficult issues considerably. “Clearly, the gamers, we would like a deal accomplished as a result of we wish to be right here enjoying soccer in relation to June. As quick as that may occur could be nice.

“It will be superior to know that every one the opposite groups are on the market practising as effectively. Proper now, for our mindset, is on the minimal proper now we have three days of observe, so we’ll go on the market and give attention to that.”

Regardless of his insistence that coaching camp should not have began amid the labour strife, Thurman determined to take advantage of a nasty state of affairs.

“It is simply good to be again out right here going over the performs and studying the system once more,” mentioned Thurman, who’s anticipated to be one of many leaders on defence once more this season after serving as a group captain final yr. “I’ve all the time needed to step up since I have been right here.

“I’ve all the time recognized that lots of people contemplate me a frontrunner on this defence, so it is the identical factor. Nothing’s modified. I nonetheless anticipate to carry out at a excessive customary and convey guys together with me.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Could 15, 2022