President of the Professional Soccer Referees Association, Peter Manikowski, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new contract for members after the month-long lockout from the Professional Referee Organization. Manikowski discussed the public support from fans, coaches and the Major League Soccer Players Association.
After his appearance on the podcast in March to discuss the lockout of referees for MLS games, Manikowski said there had been a wave of public support for the PSRA following poor performance by scab referees. He discussed how the fans encouraged the referees during the lockout and supported their strike fund. Manikowski said several coaches and the MLS Players Association also shared their support, reinforcing the importance of the union referees.
Manikowski talked about the difference between this lockout and a previous strike that occurred a decade ago. He said the negotiations were at different points, with the current lockout not being close to resolution and the last strike coming at the end of talks. Manikowski talked about the aggressive tactics used by PRO, and how the public support created a strong sense of solidarity for members. The support helped members stand up to the aggressive negotiation tactics by PRO and earn themselves a beneficial new contract.
The new contract came with the security of a seven-year term. While it wasn’t the desired length for the negotiating committee, they could earn the pay and benefit increases required to adapt to potential inflation. Manikowski credited his union member's democratic procedure for approval in coming up with the best solution. He said while all members weren’t happy with the length of the contract, the nearly 29 percent wage increase this year and the subsequent yearly wage increases provided a common ground for all members to agree to a successful deal.
To hear more about the new contract for the PSRA, listen to the show above.