WNBA players vote to strike when necessary amid labor talks

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A WNBA logo is shown on the court before a game between the Connecticut Sun and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena.

AFP

LOS ANGELES – The WNBA Players Association said on Dec 18 that its members have authorised its executive committee to call for a strike “when necessary”, as labor negotiations continue with the league.

“The players have spoken,” the WNBPA said in a statement.

“Through a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorised the WNBPA’s (seven-member) Executive Committee to call ‍a strike ​when necessary. The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA ‍and its teams.”

The WNBPA said that 93 per cent of eligible players voted this week and 98 per cent of those favoured authorising a strike.

“Time and again, the players’ thoughtful and reasonable ​approach has ​been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades,” the players union added.

“The players’ vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, ‍it is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.

“The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for ⁠their value and their future.”

Labor talks were extended from the initial deadline of Oct 31 to Nov 30, then again just minutes before the collective bargaining