MLB lockout: U.S. labor secretary, former Boston mayor Marty Walsh offers help in negotiations

Marty Walsh is ready to step in and help Major League Baseball end its lockout.

The United States Secretary of Labor and former Boston mayor on Monday expressed his willingness to assist MLB and the Players’ Association as the two sides continue to work towards a new collective bargaining agreement.

“I have spoken to both the MLBPA and MLB about the ongoing contract negotiations and encourage both sides to continue engagement,” Walsh said via a spokesperson in a statement to The Athletic. “Like any contract negotiation in any industry, I stand ready to help facilitate productive conversations that result in the best outcome for workers and employers.”

Last week, the MLBPA declined the league’s request to use a formal mediator to assist in negotiations.

“Two months after implementing their lockout, and just two days after committing to Players that a counterproposal would be made, the owners refused to make a counter, and instead requested mediation,” MLBPA said in a statement. “After consultation with our Executive Board, and taking into account a variety of factors, we have declined this request.

“The clearest path to a fair and timely agreement is to get back to the table. Players stand ready to negotiate.”

The two sides met for three consecutive days last week but it’s unclear when they will next meet. At this point, a delayed spring training seems to be almost a certainty, as camps were set to open next week.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/j2C5HXc