NHLPA and PHPA Join AFL-CIO, Strengthening Labor Movement in Professional Hockey
In a landmark move for the labor movement, the National hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) have officially affiliated with the AFL-CIO, the largest labor federation in the united States. The proclamation, made on Monday, marks a notable step in uniting professional hockey players with broader labor advocacy efforts.
The NHLPA and PHPA will join the AFL-CIO’s Sports Council, a coalition of unions representing athletes across various leagues, including the NFL, WNBA, Major League Soccer, and the National Women’s Soccer League. This affiliation brings the total number of unions under the AFL-CIO umbrella to 63, representing over 15 million workers nationwide.
A Unified Voice for Workers
“Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership,” said AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler. “We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our Sports Council, and we look forward to supporting thier work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions, and professional development opportunities for professional hockey players.”
The NHLPA,representing approximately 750 players across 32 NHL teams,and the PHPA,with 1,800 members in the American Hockey League (AHL) and ECHL,now gain access to the AFL-CIO’s extensive resources and advocacy network. This partnership comes at a pivotal time, as both organizations are engaged in collective bargaining negotiations.
Solidarity in Action
“The NHLPA’s membership is proud to join the AFL-CIO and its sports council during this significant moment in the labor movement,” said NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh. “We look forward to working together with other players’ associations and unions from across North America to ensure that workers in all industries have a collective voice in fighting for fair wages and safe and equitable workplaces.”
The PHPA echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of solidarity across industries. “Our members are excited about taking an active role in working towards better outcomes for working people in every sector of the economy,” said PHPA executive director Brian Ramsay. “As we begin collective bargaining negotiations, our members will now enjoy the full support of the AFL-CIO at the bargaining table. This is what solidarity is all about.”
The AFL-CIO Sports Council: A Growing force
The AFL-CIO established its Sports Council in 2022 to unite athletes and workers in the sports industry. By bringing together unions from diverse leagues, the council aims to amplify the voices of athletes and advocate for fair labor practices across the board. The inclusion of the NHLPA and PHPA further strengthens this mission,highlighting the growing intersection of sports and labor rights.
Key Takeaways
| Institution | Membership | Leagues Represented |
|————————-|—————-|————————–|
| NHLPA | 750 players | National Hockey League |
| PHPA | 1,800 members | AHL, ECHL |
| AFL-CIO Sports Council | 63 unions | NFL, WNBA, MLS, NWSL |
What’s Next?
As the NHLPA and PHPA navigate ongoing collective bargaining talks, their affiliation with the AFL-CIO provides a powerful platform to advocate for players’ rights. This partnership underscores the importance of unity in the labor movement, demonstrating that workers—whether on the ice or in other industries—are stronger together.
Stay informed about the latest developments in the labor movement and professional sports by following the AFL-CIO and NHLPA on their official platforms. Together, we can continue to fight for fair wages, safe workplaces, and equitable opportunities for all.
