John E. Shinn, the International Secretary-Treasurer of the United Steelworkers Union, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the USW representing the members of the United Football Players Association (UFPA) who play in United States Football League (USFL).
The USW represents about 1.2 million members in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
Shinn explained this was the first time the USW negotiated a Collective Bargaining Agreement with a sports league, but said they had help from the NFL Players Association. As a result, he said they “kicked butt” on the new contract, which gives USFL players a better healthcare plan, higher pay, a retirement plan and improved working conditions.
The second USFL season is scheduled to begin in mid-April.
Shinn then mentioned that one of the main reasons to represent the players is to ensure all USFL players have the same opportunities without concern for discrimination.
He said the USW will continue to represent professional athletes who are not signed to impending professional contracts.
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