Strike ends quickly: ECHL-union deal reached, Steelheads ready to play again
The Idaho Steelheads are on track to return to the ice this weekend in Boise after a short strike postponed games across the ECHL, including the team’s two games over the weekend at the Utah Grizzlies.
The Professional Hockey Players’ Association, which represents players in the AHL and ECHL, had its ECHL players go on strike after the union and league failed to reach an agreement on a new contract after a year of negotiations.
The PHPA accused the ECHL of “ongoing unfair labor practices” related to player pay, health and safety standards, and equipment.
However, the two sides reached a tentative agreement on Saturday night, according to The Associated Press. As of Monday afternoon, the agreement still had to be ratified by the ECHL board of governors and the player membership of the PHPA union.
“Players will report to their teams in good faith and prepare to return to play, pending ratification and approval,” read a joint statement from the PHPA and ECHL that the Steelheads shared on social media.
The Steelheads (18-8-3), who sit in first place in the ECHL’s Western Conference, are scheduled to host the Rapid City Rush at Idaho Central Arena in downtown Boise on Friday and Saturday nights.
Neither side has released details about the new collective bargaining agreement.
The ECHL’s offer before last weekend’s strike, which the PHPA union did not respond to before striking, featured an immediate 19.8% increase to the salary cap for this season and a future salary cap increase that would result in a 27% hike from the current cap.
The league also offered to continue covering 100% of the costs of renting a fully furnished house for players, including utilities and internet costs, as well as medical and dental benefits.
