Baseball Players step Up: $1 Million Fund to Aid Workers Impacted by Lockout
New York, March 4, 2022 – As the Major League Baseball lockout stretches into its 92nd day, players are taking action to support the countless workers whose livelihoods depend on the game. The MLB Players Association announced the establishment of a $1 million fund dedicated to assisting stadium employees and other individuals facing financial hardship due to the canceled games.
This initiative, a collaborative effort between the players Association and the AFL-CIO, aims to provide crucial aid to often-overlooked essential workers.
“These individuals are the backbone of the baseball experiance, ensuring fans enjoy a seamless and memorable time at the ballpark,” stated union executive committee members Andrew Miller and Max Scherzer. “Unluckily, they are also among those disproportionately affected by the owners’ lockout and the resulting game cancellations. This fund is a testament to our solidarity and a way to demonstrate our unwavering support during this challenging period.”
The union has identified a wide range of essential workers who will benefit from the fund, including broadcast and concession crew members, electricians, ushers, security personnel, transportation staff, and janitorial teams.
Tony Clark, executive director of the Players Association, emphasized the fund’s purpose: “This initiative is designed to provide direct support to the workers most impacted by the lockout, individuals whose livelihoods have been disregarded by the owners in their pursuit of an unfavorable deal for the players. we stand in solidarity with these essential workers and are committed to alleviating the financial strain they are facing.”
the lockout, which began on December 2, 2021, has already resulted in the postponement of spring training games and the cancellation of the first two series of the regular season, originally scheduled to commence on March 31st. With no resolution in sight, the impact on stadium workers and the broader baseball community continues to grow.
stepping Up to the Plate: A Conversation with Mark Buehrle on Player Support During the MLB Lockout
Welcome back, sports fans! Today, we have a very special guest joining us, former MLB pitcher and World Series Champion mark Buehrle. Mark, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today.
Mark: My pleasure, I’m always happy to talk baseball.
Host: We’re diving into a hot topic today: the ongoing MLB lockout and its impact on stadium workers.As you know, the Players Association recently announced a $1 million fund to support these essential workers who are facing financial hardship due to the canceled games. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Mark: Look, it’s fantastic to see the players stepping up like this. These ballpark workers are truly the unsung heroes of the game. Thay make everything run smoothly, and they do it with a smile. It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that they’re suffering financially due to this lockout, which is a direct result of the owners’ hardball tactics.
Host: Absolutely. This fund is a testament to the solidarity within the Players Association. Do you think this move will put any pressure on the owners to come to the negotiating table and reach a fair deal?
Mark: It certainly shines a light on the human cost of this lockout, and maybe, just maybe, it will make the owners think twice about how this situation is affecting not just the players but the entire baseball community. We’re talking about families who rely on these paychecks, folks who love the game just as much as we do.
Host: There has been some debate about whether players should be financially responsible for stadium workers during a lockout.Some argue that it’s the owners’ responsibility to protect these workers’ livelihoods.What’s your take on this?
Mark: While I agree that ultimately the owners should be taking care of their employees, the players are showing real leadership by taking this initiative. It’s a gesture of goodwill, and it demonstrates their commitment to the game and the people who make it so special.
Host: The lockout has already resulted in the cancellation of spring training games and the regular season is now delayed. How do you think this will ultimately impact the players, the fans, and the future of baseball?
Mark: This lockout is damaging to everyone involved. It’s frustrating for the players who just want to play ball, it’s disheartening for the fans who are missing out on the excitement of baseball, and it’s hurting the sport’s image in the long run. All parties need to find common ground and prioritize the future of the game.
Host: Mark, thanks again for sharing your insights with us today. We appreciate your candor and viewpoint.
Think about it, fans: should players be financially responsible for stadium workers during a lockout, or is that the owners’ burden? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
