The owners of major league baseball teams voted unanimously to initiate a first lockout in more than 25 years on Wednesday night.
This is what the MLB Network has learned, specifying that the work stoppage would begin Thursday, but at a time that remains unknown.
Earlier in the day, the owners and the players’ association had abruptly ended their negotiations for a new collective agreement, which was due to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
Montreal Expos fans probably remember the last labor dispute a little too well, in 1994-1995. That year, the team led by Felipe Alou were number one in the major league standings when the strike started and the World Series were called off.
According to information from ESPN, the last meeting between the two sides ended in just seven minutes, at the Four Seasons Dallas hotel in Las Colinas. Discussions thus appear to be closed and the ninth lockout in major baseball history is imminent. Note that matches have only been canceled three times.
Players are demanding better salary conditions, especially among young people, whose contract terms are controlled by the teams during their first six seasons.
The question of the “luxury” tax to penalize teams with a payroll greater than $ 210 million is another important issue. The owners would like to lower the application of this tax to $ 180 million, with a salary floor of $ 100 million.
An increase in the number of teams that can make the playoffs is part of the discussions. Players would like to add two formations (12) in total, while owners would like 14.
Other minor issues such as the designated hitter role, umpiring and seven-innings doubles programs have also been discussed in recent months.
The lockout would prevent the formations from carrying out transactions or coming to an agreement with free agents.