Alouettes players hopeful for new labour deal
League expected to deliver proposal ahead of new talks
CFL players put their bodies on the line on a weekly basis, Chris Ackie says, and should be compensated accordingly.
However, the Alouettes' veteran linebacker remains optimistic a new collective bargaining agreement can be agreed to by Saturday night, when it expires, allowing the team to begin training camp Sunday morning at Stade Diablos in Trois-rivières.
“They're not giving us the best deal that I feel we deserve,” Ackie, one of two Montreal player representatives — along with defensive tackle Almondo Sewell — said by telephone on Tuesday from Toronto. “We're going to keep fighting for what we deserve and we're not going to back down.
“I know in years past we've taken some deals that weren't the best for us. This is the year we know what we deserve and we're going to put our foot down until we get it.”
Last Friday, one day after contract talks between the league and its players association broke down, Solomon Elimimian and Brian Ramsay, the union's president and executive director, respectively, said players wouldn't report to camp without a fair deal.
The players were concerned about being stranded and having expenses accrue, but CFL teams have since committed to housing and feeding the players until the conclusion of a strike or the end of camp.
The league is expected to deliver a new proposal on Wednesday, before the start of another round of negotiations, which is scheduled to last three days. And, while Ackie believes time remains for an agreement to be reached, he made it clear the CFL must amend many of its proposals.
“After not having a season in 2020 (due to COVID-19), to having a shortened (14-game) season in 2021, not to start camp on time and to not have a full season in 2022 isn't a good look for the CFL,” Ackie said. “I feel ... we'll get something done. It could be the last minute and go down to the wire, but I feel something will get done.
“This is a leverage the CFL uses all the time,” he added. “They'll kind of sweat us out until the very last minute. Guys need money. Guys want to get the season started. We've always been backed into a corner. Guys have families to support and they have to support themselves. It's always been a leverage the CFL has used against us.”
But this year, Ackie vowed, the
players won't acquiesce, having given the executive a 95 per cent strike mandate.
“The players seem willing to do what it takes,” he said.
Included in the league's last proposal was a 10-year term with no increase to the $5.35-million salary cap; eliminating the ratio between Canadians and Americans, along with a reduction of non-imports who are activated for games, and a return to padded practices. The CFL also rejected the players' request for guaranteed contracts.
“It's not a good deal for us to lock in for 10 years,” Ackie said. “Football's such a dangerous sport. We're putting our bodies on the line and deserve to be compensated for that. We need to be paid as professional athletes. Guys shouldn't have to work in the off-season. Their salaries should (cover) the entire year. They shouldn't have to struggle once the season's over.”
CFL rosters include 21 non-imports, of which seven must start. Ackie, a 30-year-old native of Cambridge, Ont., obviously remains a strong proponent of the ratio not changing.
“I don't think Canadians are the issue in the league,” said Ackie, selected fourth overall by the Als in 2015. “There's so many talented Canadians who just need the opportunity to develop, and the ratio gives us that opportunity. We have the skills to play. We might not get the opportunity if not for the ratio. The ratio has given guys the opportunity to develop and become stars. It's something we need to protect. I don't think we should move off that number.”
Ackie said he became a union rep hoping to make a difference after hearing teammates' complaints about their working conditions. He'd like to see an increase in the $65,000 minimum salary, which doesn't go far in large markets like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
“It's not about who has the upper hand right now,” he said. “We need to work together and be partners, get the best deal and make sure both sides are happy.”