(New York) In connection with the labor dispute in major league baseball, assistant commissioner Dan Halem and the players’ union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer met for an hour and a half on Thursday.
Posted at 4:47 p.m.
They discussed key issues in talks for a deal that would end the lockout.
MLBPA General Counsel Ian Penny and MLB Executive Vice President Morgan Sword also attended the meeting.
The MLBPA board of directors was scheduled to hold a conference call later Thursday.
Baseball’s ninth work stoppage was in its 92e day Thursday.
This is the first dispute to result in the cancellation of games since the 1994-95 strike, which led to the cancellation of the World Series.
Negotiations were halted on Tuesday after the ninth straight day of meetings in Jupiter, Florida. Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the inaugural games would not be held on March 31, in addition to canceling each team’s first two series.
There was progress during 16.5 hours of negotiations which concluded overnight from Monday to Tuesday.
The two clans, however, remain very far apart, particularly on the subject of the luxury tax, the minimum wage and the amount set aside for players who do not yet have access to arbitration.
Fitch Ratings said canceling games as announced will not impact MLB and stadium debt ratings at this time. This is because of the liquidity including specific reserve funds, sufficient for a shutdown for an entire season.
Fitch said MLB media contracts are structured for ongoing payments in 2022 during a lockout, with the option of later repayments.
“The 2020 season (affected by the coronavirus) demonstrates that the league and its teams have the financial resources to withstand a shortened season, albeit relying on cash support from owners or debt financing, mentioned the firm.
“As part of a month-long cancellation, we anticipate that MLB will be able to preserve national media revenue at levels close to those agreed to in the contract. »
Fitch added, however, “a prolonged work stoppage could alienate fans and sponsors, which could affect current season revenue, but also hinder baseball’s longer-term growth.” »
