The NFL and NFL Player’s Association agreed last week to seven days of labor negotiations with a federal mediator. As it turns out, both sides kept their word and they went through seven consecutive days of negotiations. The final session ended on Thursday as many reps from both sides will now attend the 2011 NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
NFL, NFLPA End Negotiations With Federal Mediator; Will Resume March 1
Federal mediator George Cohen released a statement after the meeting was adjourned, according to NFL Network’s Albert Breer:
"Some progress was made, but very strong differences remain on the all-important core issues that separate the parties. Nonetheless, I have recommended and the parties have agreed to resume the mediation process in my office ... March 1."
Two key points to take out of that:
-“Some progress was made...” We’re not sure what, exactly, that means but it’s good that the week wasn’t a waste. However, he does note that there are still “strong” differences on the “core” issues. We can’t fully understand the extent of the progress until we know which issues they’re talking about.
-The two parties will meet again on March 1. There are Combine activities going on this weekend, and then the two sides will resume on Tuesday, March 1. The final day of the current CBA is March 3 so presumably they’ll negotiate right up until the end.
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