Possibility of strike looms as CFL, CFLPA continue negotiations

As the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ 2022 training camp nears, there’s more than just rainclouds hanging over it.

The CFL and CFL Players’ Association still do not have a deal in place for a new collective bargaining agreement for 2022 and beyond. If an agreement is not reached by Sunday at 12:01 a.m. EST, a players’ strike could take place.

“I’m optimistic,” Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson said Wednesday. “I think cooler heads will prevail and I think we are going to have a deal at some point. Until then, we control what we can, which is the rookies, and we’re going to work as hard as we can and get them ready to go.

“I’m quite optimistic we will have everyone here when they are supposed to be here.”

The Roughriders opened rookie camp Wednesday at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. That camp is to wrap up Friday, with main camp to open Sunday.

Talks between the league and the players’ union continued Thursday and could continue into the weekend.

According to The Canadian Press, the CFL tabled a new offer which addressed some of the players’ areas of concern but not enough for the union’s liking.

The Canadian Press also reported that in a memo sent to players, the union said its members should report to the individual club facilities to be in position to take part in a legal strike.

The CFLPA has already advised veteran quarterbacks to not take part in voluntary workouts and practices ahead of camp.

The CFLPA also indicated it would pay for players’ flights or drives home if a strike takes place.

— With files from The Canadian Press