NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly yesterday dismissed the players’ current vote to authorize their union’s withdrawal from negotiations as a “card” to “play” in the talks.
“I certainly don’t think it would be helpful in terms of getting a deal done, and it’s not going to expedite the process,” Daly told The Post via email.
The league last week went to court to seek endorsement of the legality of NHL Owners’ Lockout III, now in its 94th day. The NHL also filed an unfair labor practices suit with the National Labor Relations Board, charging the Players’ Association failed to bargain in good faith by contemplating withdrawal from the talks by disclaiming interest in the negotiations.
Daly said the league has had “no recent contact with the PA.” The last talks were held by conference call Friday. after the sides worked through a mediator last Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, the players’ executive committee authorized the vote, which is to be completed this coming Friday. Union deputy Steve Fehr is said to have called Daly yesterday, but no business resulted.
Daly disputed the idea the players’ vote, which wouldn’t force a union withdrawal from the talks, only authorize such a move, doesn’t provide the union with fresh leverage.
“No,” Daly said. “I believe it’s a ‘card’ the players feel they can ‘play’ as a helpful part of the process.
“We disagree that it can be “helpful” — in any way — to the collective bargaining process.”
If the union withdraws, it is likely to further delay any settlement, with the entire season at risk. The NHL settled its 1994-95 lockout on Jan. 11 to salvage a 48-game season, and the 2004-05 was finally canceled Feb. 19, 2005.
“I remain optimistic, although time is certainly running out quickly,” Daly said of saving the season.
With AP