(Audacy) As MLB and the players' union remain stalled in labor negotiations, the league requested the immediate assistance of a federal mediator Thursday to help reach a resolution, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan.
Any request for federal mediation in collective bargaining talks would still have to be agreed to by the Players Association.
This isn't the first time MLB has sought federal mediators to help reach a resolution to a work stoppage.
Federal mediators were called upon during the 1994 strike, but it didn't save the season. The World Series was cancelled a month after they met, and a resolution wasn't reached for another seven months.
Eugene Freedman, a union lawyer and writer on baseball labor negotiations, explained the significance of federal mediators in a Twitter thread.
but he has a terrific reputation.
— (((EugeneFreedman))) (@EugeneFreedman) February 3, 2022
Mediation can be very helpful to move the parties toward and even to agreement if the parties are motivated and the right mediator is involved. I've worked with a few great ones and a one who didn't help at all.
A strong mediator can also be 2/
agreement. That would be a very subtle and astute maneuver, one that is not exactly in MLB's normal playbook.
— (((EugeneFreedman))) (@EugeneFreedman) February 3, 2022
It also could be a tactic to place some blame on the Union, if they don't accept mediation. It would seem premature - mediation is usually engaged at a point when 4/
up negotiations and move the parties toward resolution.
— (((EugeneFreedman))) (@EugeneFreedman) February 3, 2022
Should the Union accept mediation now, at this early stage in the proposals, so far from impasse? That's a tough question without knowing if there have been behind the scenes communications between the principals. 6/
to reach agreement across the wide range of subjects (many of which are interconnected) in order to have effective negotiations or effective mediation. Only Meyer and maybe Clark know the true answer to that question and it doesn't behoove them even to tell their own team. 8/
— (((EugeneFreedman))) (@EugeneFreedman) February 3, 2022
When the type of subtle maneuvering is happening behind the scenes, the circle has to be very tight and only disclosed, if at all, after the fact.
— (((EugeneFreedman))) (@EugeneFreedman) February 3, 2022
I hope I didn't tip their hand by explaining all these possibilities.
In light of the lack of trust, this may be wishful thinking.
One player called it a "publicity stunt," Audacy Sports insider Bob Nightengale reported. Meanwhile, MLB won't respond with a counter-offer to the players following their last meeting Tuesday.
MLB owners have locked out the players since Dec. 2 after the two sides failed to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement.
While both sides have met over the last few weeks, little progress has been made, and a delay to the start of spring training appears likely.
As long as the lockout continues, no free agents can sign, no trades can be made, players can't talk to team officials nor take part in team activities, including use of team facilities.
If the lockout persists into March, missing regular-season games could be on the table.
Opening Day is March 31.
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