NHL Meets With Union For Six Hours, Fail To Reach Agreement


The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association spent six hours in negotiations on Wednesday, the newest attempt by both groups to save the remaining parts of the 2012-2013 season.

The two sides plan to meet again on Thursday at the same undisclosed location that held Wednesday’s talks.

Both sides have spent a long time arguing their bargaining positions, and while they are tight lipped about exact discussions, it is believed both groups spent separate time with a mediator where they discussed their hopes for a new contract.

Among the key issues both sides have refused to budge on are division of revenue and player-contracting rights

According to NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr:

“A small group of NHLPA staff and players met today with two experienced FMCS mediators. We expect that these discussions will resume Thursday.”

Last Wednesday, the NHL refused the newest players union proposal but promised to meet one week later.

Mediatores from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service have been brought in to reach a deal. Unfortunately, while they have been successful with NBA and NFL talks, they also failed to save the 2004-2005 NHL season.

NHL officials have already cancelled all regular-season games through December 14. Included in those cancellations are the leagues Winter Classic and All-Star Game.

The NHL lockout has now spanned 10 weeks and with no sign of an agreement in sight we could be looking at the end to the NHL season.

Despite the lockout, the Toronto Maple Leafs were just announced as the most valuable NHL team with an estimated current sell price of $1 billion.

Share this article: NHL Meets With Union For Six Hours, Fail To Reach Agreement
More from Inquisitr