Packers ready to labor over CBA at NFL meetings

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080330/PKR01/803300677/1989

By Rob Demovsky
[e-mail]

Though nothing definitive about the future of the collective bargaining agreement will come out of this week's NFL annual meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., representatives from the Green Bay Packers are anxious to engage in the expected debate about the league's labor accord.

At issue is whether the CBA, which runs through the 2012 season, will be terminated early (an option for either side). Some owners reportedly believe the agreement is too player-friendly and would be in favor of exercising the right to opt out early. That would make the deal expire after the 2010 season and would mean the 2009 season would be the last with a salary cap. Thus, 2010 would be an uncapped year.

The owners likely never would agree to play without a salary cap, which would force them to lock out the players.

As a small-market team dependent on revenue sharing and the salary cap, the Packers would prefer the CBA, or some similar agreement, remain in place.

"Nothing's going to be voted on (this week)," Packers President Mark Murphy said. "I think it's just a process that the league office is filling all the teams in. There are issues we see coming up, so I think that's what we'll be hearing. You want to hear how the other teams feel about the agreement and how it's working for them."

Murphy wouldn't discuss the Packers' level of concern about potential labor issues, but reiterated they would not want an uncapped year.

FULL story at link.

I am a life long Packer fan btw.