Ongoing CBA discussions

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by Mc2guy

The league to trying to implement an integrative bargaining tactic. The only way to give the players more money, is to increase the size of the pie, which 18 games does. If you stick with a 16 game schedule, there won't be any more revenue to split with the players, and the owners know that the players won't accept a deal for less money than they receive now.

From what I have seen, the players have elected a distributive bargainer in DeMaurice Smith... he views everything in win or lose, yours or mine, for every gain there is an equal loss... basically he sees the pie as fixed, and that his job is to secure as much as possible of it from the owners. Bad move. The owners, with no contract starting on 3/3, can, following a lock out, declare an "impasse" and force players to either work under 2010 negotiated labor rules, or strike. If players strike, the League has already won since public perception is ALWAYS against a strike and fans would quickly turn on the players.

18 games is almost a required outcome if a new deal is to be struck this year.

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

A bargaining impasse occurs when the two sides negotiating an agreement are unable to reach an agreement and become deadlocked. An Impasse is almost invariably mutually harmful, either as a result of direct action which may be taken such as a strike in employment negotiation or sanctions/military action in international relations, or simply due to the resulting delay in negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement.

Since negotiations have not yet reached the point of no return, a very small window of time remains to consummate an agreement, unlikely though it may be.

There remains several issues proving stumbling blocks that will most surely result in an impasse if both sides remain as steadfast in their convictions as they've shown thus far, none more revealing than the issue of revenue sharing. The owners are emphatic about a change in that area, the players are less sympathetic and "that" I'm afraid is where the line will ultimately be drawn. A final take it or leave it offer will be made to the players, and fans fear the players will choose accept the latter.

Here is a simplistic view from Joe Gibbs, coupled with a boost to the ego of Dan Snyder from Ross Tucker.

D.C. Sports Bog - Joe Gibbs on the Redskins and labor strife