CFLPA turns down tentative CBA due to 'critical outstanding items'

CFL players rejected the league's tentative collective bargaining agreement and stressed the need for further negotiation over outstanding issues, the CFLPA announced Monday in a statement obtained by Postmedia's Dan Barnes.

"CFLPA bargaining committee has already informed the CFL which items within the package still need further negotiation in order to satisfy the membership and keep discussions moving forward as efficiently as possible," the CFLPA leadership group said in a statement.

The CFL has submitted a new proposal to the CFLPA, according to TSN's Dave Naylor.

The league and players' association struck a tentative agreement last week after the two sides couldn't agree on a new deal before the previous CBA expired on May 15.

The CFLPA added that the two sides could quickly reach a memorandum of understanding if the league is ready to address its concerns.

"While many components of the current offer align with the direction that's been provided by the membership, there remain critical outstanding items that must still be resolved in order to achieve a fair deal," the CFLPA leadership group noted.

The players' veto comes despite the bargaining committee and team player reps approving the tentative CBA.

Seven of the nine teams went on strike after the CBA expired on May 15. The Edmonton Elks and Calgary Stampeders were the only two teams to participate in training camp during the stoppage as they were not yet allowed to strike due to Alberta's labor laws.

All teams reported to practice Monday, according to Naylor.

The 2022 stoppage is the CFL's first since 1974. The league was scheduled to open its regular season on June 9 with a matchup between the Montreal Alouettes and Stampeders.