AFLPU and AFL China reached a multi-year agreement

Saturday November 2, 2013

 The AFLPU is pleased to report that after weeks of negotiations a Term Sheet for a multi- year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has been agreed upon between the AFLPU and AFL China. The Term Sheet is pending ratification by the members but the AFLPU is confident that is will be ratified by the members. The Term Sheet provides for numerous items such as Workers Compensation, Medical Protections, Legal Protection while abroad, AFL Standard Player Contract (SPC) protection if injured while participating in the 2 Exhibition Games, increased game compensation, bonus compensation for the Hawaii and China games respectively, Per Diem option, Grievance/Arbitration, Rights to 2nd medical opinions, trainer and physician requirements, Voluntary Union Recognition by AFL China, Union Security and other great terms.

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank Marty Judge, AFL China founder and principal, for his tough but willingness to negotiate with the AFLPU so that the members received a deal that is reasonable and have AFLPU representation. Thank you to Tom Goodhines for his efforts to keep the parties engaged and without his assistance this deal might not have happened. Thank you to David Niu and the rest of the AFL China Staff for their cooperation in getting this deal over the finish line. This CBA will set the tone for future negotiations and is an opportunity for the AFLPU and AFL China to move forward together similar to most of the top Sports leagues in the World and shows that when the parties are committed to finding solutions rather than differences an agreement can be a reality.

The AFLPU has consistently strived to serve, protect and represent the players of Arena Football and advance the game of Arena/Indoor football. Our sport is a fast paced, physical, exciting game and the members of the AFLPU sacrifice and devote not only their time but their bodies so that our Fans and Sponsors can have the best entertainment experience at an incredible value.

Thank you to the Executives, Reps, Leaders and Counsel of the AFLPU that assisted in this process and I appreciate that your efforts and support never wavered under difficult conditions.