Commissioner Paul Tagliabue sent letters to each of the NFL's
game officials on Thursday outlining the proposal the league has
made to the officials' union.
"We have repeatedly expressed to your negotiators our
recognition that you and the other game officials perform a
difficult task with great skill and professionalism," Tagliabue's
letter said. "We have no desire to disrupt your continued work
with the NFL, or to have a prolonged labor dispute with your union.
In fact, in an effort to avoid that unfortunate situation, we want
to make sure that you know precisely what the league has offered
the union in a new contract, and what that means for you.
"The current offer is quite substantial. It reflects the
outstanding work of you and your officiating colleagues; the high
esteem in which you are held; and our sincere desire to reach
agreement with your union on a new contract. I have asked my staff
to prepare for you a comparison of your total compensation last
year with what you could expect to make going forward under the
league's current proposal."
An official entering his fifth season who made $42,295 last year
for regular-season and preseason games, plus various meetings and
clinics, would make $62,103 in 2001. In 2003, he would earn
$84,470.
For an official entering his 10th season who made $64,215 last
year, this year he would be paid $95,000, and in 2003, $128,400.
At the top of the scale, an official entering his 21st season
who made $82,390 last year would earn $120,998 this season. He
would get $139,555 in 2003.
Officials work 15 regular-season games and three or four
preseason games a year, plus individual team practices, clinics and
league meetings. The fees for those duties also would increase
under the new proposal, doubling by 2003.
The proposal would immediately increase regular-season game fees
by approximately 40 percent (assuming an official works 15 games),
and continue to increase until most officials would double their
regular-season pay by 2003.
In addition, officials would immediately earn a 50 percent
increase in pay for postseason games and double the current rate in
2003. Retirement and pension benefits also would be increased.
"I have taken pride in the positive working relationship the
league has had with its game officials over the years, and I am
personally troubled that negotiations have reached a point in which
both parties are contemplating work stoppages," Tagliabue said.
"I intend to do all I can to ensure a positive outcome to the
negotiations. ... However, the league has a duty to its fans and
cannot responsibly enter the regular season with the threat of a
sudden work stoppage."
Tom Condon, who represents the officials, did not immediately
return telephone messages. Earlier this week, Condon, who has said
at various times he expects talks to come down to the final days,
"as they usually do," said, "We add a nickel, they take a nickel
off, you know how these things go."
The NFL began hiring replacement officials Wednesday, paying
each $4,000 even if the dispute with the regular officials is
settled. The league also said it is ready to put them on the field
for the final preseason game.
Under the agreement, they are guaranteed $2,000 each for two
games whether there is a strike or lockout or not.
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