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By Bob Nightengale | USA TODAY
On Friday, the Major League Baseball Players Association rejected MLB’s request to involve federal mediation in their negotiating , with MLB issuing an angry response, as animosity and hostility continues to escalate between the two sides.
“It is hard to understand why a party that wants to make an agreement would reject mediation from the federal agency specifically tasked with resolving these disputes,’’ an MLB spokesman said, “including many successes in professional sports. MLB remains committed to offering solutions at the table and reaching a fair agreement for both sides.”
Several players believe it was nothing more than a negotiating ploy, and the union’s executive board swiftly declined the offer.
“The clearest path to a fair and timely agreement is to get back to the table,’’ the union said in a statement. “Players stand ready to negotiate.’’
And so it goes …
MLB’s 2021-22 lockout is entering its third month with no immediate compromise in sight, all but certain to delay spring training while also jeopardizing the start of the regular season.
The next negotiating session has yet been scheduled but they could meet next week in Florida. The owners have their scheduled quarterly meetings Tuesday through Thursday in the Orlando area while the union plans to start meeting with players next week, including stops in Florida.
One person with direct knowledge of the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports that union representatives aren’t going to Florida to specifically engage in negotiations, but will be available if a session is scheduled.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to discuss publicly
The union said it was promised a counterproposal from MLB after meeting Tuesday, while MLB says it only promised a response, not a counter.
The response was the offer of a federal mediator.
