The MLS Players Association has expressed concern over the ongoing lockout of the league's referees and the potential use of replacement officials during the labor dispute. The association emphasized that the use of replacement referees could not only impact the quality and outcomes of matches but also pose risks to the health and safety of players.
As the 2024 MLS season opener approaches, the focus should be on the competition on the field, according to the MLS Players Association. The organization described the lockout and the use of replacement referees as a setback for MLS, stressing that all workers deserve fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to engage in collective bargaining in good faith.
The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) recently announced the lockout of MLS referees after the rejection of a proposed new labor agreement by the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA). The PSRA cited concerns related to compensation, benefits, travel arrangements, scheduling, and overall quality of life as reasons for the rejection.
Feedback from PSRA members indicated that the proposed agreement did not meet their expectations, with a significant majority voting against its ratification. The PSRA highlighted that replacement officials may lack the necessary experience and fitness required for officiating MLS matches effectively.
The MLS Players Association called for all parties involved to resume negotiations and strive for a prompt and equitable resolution to the labor dispute. The association stressed the importance of having referees who are well-versed in the MLS game and its rules, emphasizing the need for experienced officials on the field.
According to MLS, the tentative agreement that was rejected would have positioned PRO members as some of the highest-paid soccer match officials globally. The ongoing labor dispute underscores the challenges faced in reaching consensus on key issues affecting referees and the overall integrity of MLS matches.
