The path to a new collective bargaining agreement is almost as complex as the deal itself. Recently, there’s been some confusion surrounding the process on the NFLPA’s side.
In order for the CBA to advance to a union-wide vote, the NFLPA’s 32 player representatives will have to sign off with a majority vote, as Mike Florio of PFT writes. If it gets less than 50% approval from the reps, the NFLPA says it will not pass it along to the entire player body. If it garners two-thirds, the proposal will be forwarded with a formal recommendation for a yes vote.
This has been confirmed by the union in a memo sent to all NFL agents. The CBA bylaws do not mandate player rep approval before the general union vote, but the NFLPA says this will be the procedure and there’s no realistic way for players to challenge it right now.
If 17 player reps approve, players will get their turn at the ballot box, where they’ll have to weigh the perks of more revenue, less discipline, and other changes against the increased hazards that would come with a 17-game season. The union may be warming up to the latest iteration put forward by owners, but there’s nothing close to a consensus on their side – many remain staunchly opposed to the extra regular season game and a debate continues to rage internally. Players, historically, have folded when faced with the prospect of a labor stoppage, but many have said that they’re ready and willing to continue the stare-down in order to get what they want.
The NFL and NFLPA will discuss the many moving parts of the deal at this week’s draft combine.