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| Founded | April 17, 2003 (2003-04-17) |
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| Headquarters | 7500Old Georgetown Road,Bethesda,Maryland |
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Key people | Bob Foose, Executive Director |
| Affiliations | FIFPro (full member) |
| Website | www |
TheMLS Players Association (MLSPA) is theunion of professionalMajor League Soccer players. The MLS Players Association serves as the exclusivecollective bargaining agreements representative for all current players in MLS.[1]
The MLS Players Association (formerly MLS Players Union)[2] was formed in April 2003 after the conclusion ofFraser v. Major League Soccer. The founding members of the MLSPA Executive Board includedLandon Donovan,Tim Howard,Chris Klein,Alexi Lalas, andBen Olsen. Prior to the CBA, players received no form of retirement benefits, and many players lacked basic health insurance.[citation needed] On December 14, 2017, the MLS Players Union changed its name to the MLS Players Association and launched a full re-branding campaign.[3]
After negotiating with MLS in 2003 and 2004, on December 1, 2004, the Players Association and MLS signed the first-evercollective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering MLS players for the 2005 season to the 2009 season inclusively. Among other things, the CBA increased minimum salaries, established a401(k) plan with guaranteed contributions from MLS, and guaranteed[3] that all players and their families will be provided with 100% fully paid health insurance benefits. In addition, the CBA provides for an independent arbitrator to hear disputes between MLS and the players. MLS and the Players Association also negotiated a substance abuse policy covering all players in the league, as well as a Group License Agreement.
Thecollective bargaining agreement ran through the2009 season and in January 2010 theMajor League Soccer players threatened to go onstrike.[4][5] The union had voted in favor of a strike if a new deal was not reached before the beginning of the season.[6] The labor agreement expired on January 31, 2010. Progress had been reported in negotiations with the Players Association, with the major issues reportedly player transfer and guaranteed contracts. The Players Association had accused MLS of failing to abide by international regulations set down by governing body FIFA, but the league denied the charge.[citation needed] FIFA said they would not intervene in a labor dispute.[7] The MLSPA advised players to report to camp as planned. Reports had been conflicting about the actual possibility of a work stoppage. Both sides agreed to extend talks to February 12, and then extended then again to February 25, 2010.
On March 20, 2010, MLS and MLSPA signed a new 5-year agreement commencing with the 2010 season and continuing through January 31, 2015.[8]
On March 4, 2015, the MLS and MLSPA agree to terms on a third Collective Bargaining Agreement for a duration of 5 years.[3]
On February 6, 2020, a new 5 year Collective Bargaining Agreement was struck between the MLS and the MLSPA.[9]
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