Soccer Referees' Labor Dispute Escalates: ULP Charge Filed Amid Lockout Turmoil

The negotiations between the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and the Professional Referees Organization (PRO) have taken a contentious turn, with PRO filing an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge against the PSRA. The filing accuses PSRA executive board member Chris Penso of threatening potential replacement workers during the ongoing lockout, stating that performing officiating work during the lockout could negatively impact their eligibility for college soccer match assignments. This development follows the lockout of PSRA referees by PRO after the union rejected a tentative collective bargaining agreement. The dispute centers around issues of compensation and travel accommodations, with the PSRA seeking improvements in these areas. As a result of the lockout, replacement referees have been brought in to officiate MLS matches, including the recent season opener between Inter Miami and Real Salt Lake. The ULP charge alleges further misconduct by the PSRA, claiming that Penso and other members have revoked college assignments of replacement officials and threatened reprisals against those engaging in replacement work. The document also accuses PSRA members of making threats that could impact the future opportunities of replacement referees. In response to these allegations, PSRA President Peter Manikowski emphasized that the union is reviewing the document and highlighted ongoing investigations into ULP charges previously filed against PRO. The back-and-forth between the two sides has escalated, with accusations of unfair labor practices and bad faith bargaining tactics. MLS Commissioner Don Garber expressed disappointment over the rejection of the tentative agreement, calling it a rare occurrence in his experience. However, the PSRA defended its actions, stating that they had warned PRO that the proposed agreement would not be acceptable to their membership. The union argued that the terms offered were inadequate and criticized a proposed wage freeze. PRO's General Manager Mark Geiger responded by clarifying that the offer to maintain wages during negotiations was required by labor law and reiterated the consequences of rejecting the deal. The dispute is set to continue as CBA talks are scheduled to resume next week in New York City with a federal mediator present. The clash between the PSRA and PRO highlights the challenges of labor negotiations in professional sports and raises questions about the treatment of replacement workers during labor disputes. As the standoff continues, the impact on MLS matches and the broader soccer community remains uncertain.