3DownNation has acquired a copy of a CFLPA memo that was distributed to all union members on Monday, May 4.
CFLPA President Solomon Elimimian sent out a memo two weeks ago stating that CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie was unwilling to discuss a potential solution to the ongoing health pandemic. The two sides last spoke on April 16.
Am being told the CFL and CFLPA have agreed to resume talking about contingency plans for the 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic. Talks reached an impasse just over two weeks ago.
— Dan Ralph (@danralphcp) May 4, 2020
The league and its players’ association have not spoken since news broke that the CFL approached the Canadian federal government for up to $150 million in relief funds.
Read below for the full memo:
To all CFL players,
We hope this letter finds you and your families well.
We have recently agreed to resume regular meetings with the CFL to navigate issues related to the COVID-19 health crisis.
This is good news for the future of the Canadian Football League and the only way to protect our game and our livelihood in the wake of this virus. It is more important than ever that we come together and look beyond our differences to find a way forward for our league.
As your union, we will do whatever it takes to safeguard your rights as players and the game we all love. We are ready to work alongside the league in seeking government support while aiding our broadcast partners and sponsors. And we are committed to doing what’s best for our fans who have always been there to support us.
Together the CFLPA and CFL have agreed to be both supportive and transparent as we move forward. A few issues for players that we requested be addressed immediately are:
- We have agreed that the players’ association will be represented in all working groups and all strategy sessions and discussions with government representatives and leaders.
- The CFLPA will remain the key contributor on player safety issues and overall risks to CFL players during the health crisis.
- Discussions surrounding paragraph 16 of the standard player contract have also be re-opened.
Please continue to find updates and resources at CFLPA.com/COVID19. It is important to remain with one message from the CFLPA, and for specific information as we navigate these times, please rely on your player representatives to engage with the media on these topics. Stay well and do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.
Your CFLPA
The 2020 CFL regular season was scheduled to kick-off on Thursday, June 11, but Ambrosie has stated the schedule won’t start before the beginning of July.
