ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 The Orlando Solar Bears\u2019 game against Jacksonville on Friday night was postponed after the players went on strike.<\/p>\n
The Professional Hockey Players\u2019 Association strike, which encompasses all ECHL teams, went into effect a day after ECHL administrators made what they called their \u201clast, best, and final offer\u201d to the union.<\/p>\n
ECHL leaders said the offer included a 19.8% pay increase, which would be paid retroactively from the start of the season. These future salary cap increases would increase total salaries by 27% and address other concerns, such as mandatory days off, season breaks, travel expenses, and reimbursements for meals.<\/p>\n
ECHL leaders stated that they did not receive a response to that offer.<\/p>\n
\u201cOver the course of negotiations, the league has resisted basic player safety and working condition issues,\u201d PHPA leaders said in a statement. \u201cIt has taken almost a year to persuade the league that we should be entitled to choose helmets that properly fit us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement said the league caved on specific other core issues just a few days prior, such as a holiday break.<\/p>\n
ECHL leaders blamed the union for not letting its members vote on their offer.<\/p>\n
The next scheduled game for the Solar Bears is Sunday at the Kia Center. That game, for now, has not been postponed.<\/p>\n
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