It's not too often that you hear owners/management complaining that there is no union in their industry, but every once in a while, that is exactly the case. Take the case of the National Women's Hockey League, whose eastern portion has suspended operations for the 2007-08 season. While lack of fan interest is one of the main reasons for the leagues falter, it's certianly not the only one.
"Bill Metcalfe, owner of the Oakville Ice, enumerates five areas of concern for the league, among them:
Free agency: All players are free agents at the end of each season. There is no players' union.
Incoming rookies can sign with any team they like. There is no draft."
It suffices to say that the presence of a union and the existance of a collective agreement would address these concerns. For players, the choice would be obvious. Rarely, if ever, do you see an NHLer readily accept a one-year deal. Long-term stability, in this case as in most others, is beneficial for the workers, and is also beneficial for ownership. Perhaps the Professional Hockey Players Association, a St. Catharines based union, could step in. After all, the NWHL's western division is still operational.
If that fails, the article reminds us that Ted Saskin is currently seeking employment.
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