Negotiations involving representatives for the NFL and NFL Referees Association for a new CBA that were “scheduled for two days in Florida broke down on Wednesday -- not even advancing to the lunch break on the first day.” NFLRA Exec Dir Scott Green said that the NFL “rejected the union’s counterproposal.” Green: “We asked them to give us a response and they refused.” Green added that the NFL’s lead negotiator, Larry Ferazani, “indicated that he was ‘not authorized’ to respond to the counterproposal.” Green said, “They then got up and left.” A source familiar with the NFL’s position said, “The union representing game officials refused to engage in ways to improve officiating performance.” Bell notes the NFL’s labor pact with officials expires May 31. It is “unclear when another round of talks will commence,” but the NFL has “moved to hire temporary replacement refs” (USA TODAY, 3/25).
NFL EVP Jeff Miller in a statement said, “We continue to focus on investing in accountability and performance in our officiating. Scott and his team haven’t changed their approach in almost two years, continuing to demand raises at almost double the rates of the increases realized by the players over the course of this CBA and, in addition, millions of dollars in marketing fees that rank-and-file union members never see. We are ready to continue negotiations to reach a fair and reasonable agreement, but in the meantime, while the union refuses to engage in a meaningful way, we will continue to prepare for the expiration of the current agreement because we will be playing football in August” (X, 3/26).
