NHL Players Unions Join AFL-CIO,expanding labor Federation
in a move bolstering the labor movement in professional athletics,the National Hockey League Players’ association (NHLPA) and Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) have formally affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
This affiliation brings the total number of unions within the AFL-CIO, the largest labor federation in the United States, to 63, representing over 15 million workers.The proclamation comes at a pivotal time as collective bargaining talks are ongoing in various levels of professional hockey.
Solidarity Across Industries
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler emphasized the meaning of the unions’ membership, stating, “Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom, or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership. We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions, and professional advancement opportunities for professional hockey players.”
The NHLPA represents approximately 750 players across the league’s 32 teams. Meanwhile, the PHPA advocates for roughly 1,800 members in the American Hockey League and ECHL.
United Front for fair Treatment
NHLPA Executive director Marty Walsh expressed enthusiasm about the affiliation, stating, ”The NHLPA’s membership is proud to join the AFL-CIO and it’s sports council during this notable moment in the labor movement. We look forward to working together with other players’ associations and unions from across North America to ensure that workers in all industries have a collective voice in fighting for fair wages and safe and equitable workplaces.”
The AFL-CIO established its sports council in 2022, which already included unions representing players in the NFL, WNBA, Major League Soccer, and the National Women’s Soccer League.
PHPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay highlighted the collaboration’s advantages: “Our members are excited about taking an active role in working towards better outcomes for working people in every sector of the economy. As we begin collective bargaining negotiations, our members will now enjoy the full support of the AFL-CIO at the bargaining table. This is what solidarity is all about.”
How does the AFL-CIO Sports Council support athletes across different sports leagues?
NHL Players Unions Join AFL-CIO,expanding labor Federation
in a move bolstering the labor movement in professional athletics,the National Hockey League Players’ association (NHLPA) and Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) have formally affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
This affiliation brings the total number of unions within the AFL-CIO, the largest labor federation in the United States, to 63, representing over 15 million workers.The proclamation comes at a pivotal time as collective bargaining talks are ongoing in various levels of professional hockey.
Solidarity Across Industries
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler emphasized the meaning of the unions’ membership,stating,”Whether our work is on the rink,in the classroom,or on the factory floor,every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership. We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions, and professional advancement opportunities for professional hockey players.”
The NHLPA represents approximately 750 players across the league’s 32 teams. Simultaneously occurring, the PHPA advocates for roughly 1,800 members in the American Hockey League and ECHL.
United Front for fair Treatment
NHLPA Executive director Marty Walsh expressed enthusiasm about the affiliation, stating, ”The NHLPA’s membership is proud to join the AFL-CIO and it’s sports council during this notable moment in the labor movement. We look forward to working together with other players’ associations and unions from across North America to ensure that workers in all industries have a collective voice in fighting for fair wages and safe and equitable workplaces.”
The AFL-CIO established its sports council in 2022, which already included unions representing players in the NFL, WNBA, Major League Soccer, and the National Women’s Soccer League.
PHPA Executive Director Brian Ramsay highlighted the collaboration’s advantages: “Our members are excited about taking an active role in working towards better outcomes for working people in every sector of the economy.As we begin collective bargaining negotiations, our members will now enjoy the full support of the AFL-CIO at the bargaining table. This is what solidarity is all about.”
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Q&A
**Q: What does the NHLPA and PHPA joining the AFL-CIO mean for hockey players?**
A: This affiliation provides NHL and minor league hockey players with the added support and resources of the largest labor federation in the US. It means they’ll have a stronger voice in collective bargaining negotiations, working towards fair contracts, better wages, and improved working conditions.
**Q: Why is this happening now?**
A: The announcement comes during a period of ongoing collective bargaining talks in professional hockey. Joining forces with the AFL-CIO gives the players’ unions more leverage and solidarity as they seek favorable agreements.
**Q: What is the AFL-CIO Sports Council?**
A: Established in 2022, the AFL-CIO Sports Council unites unions representing athletes across various professional sports leagues, including the NFL, WNBA, MLS, NWSL, and now the NHL and AHL.
**Q: How does this benefit players beyond hockey?**
A: By uniting with other athletes’ unions, the NHLPA and PHPA contribute to a broader movement for fair treatment of all workers, regardless of their industry.
The growing solidarity within the AFL-CIO demonstrates the power of collective action in advocating for better working conditions and opportunities for everyone.
