JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After a strike that postponed the Jacksonville Icemen’s Friday night game, a tentative agreement was reached between the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) on Monday.
The Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) had announced a strike deadline for Friday amid ongoing labor negotiations with the ECHL.
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The Jacksonville Icemen’s Friday night game against the Orlando Solar Bears had to be postponed as the ECHL required all players to go on strike.
A tentative agreement was reached on a new collective bargaining agreement on Monday.
The tentative agreement will not take effect until it is ratified by the PHPA’s ECHL membership and approved by the ECHL Board of Governors, but players have been encouraged to prepare to return to play in anticipation of ratification and approval.
The PHPA said the strike stems from what it calls ongoing unfair labor practices by the league.
According to an open letter written to fans, complaints ranged from long bus trips and hectic travel schedules to clubs supplying used equipment. The union says it is asking for better standards for health, safety, and working conditions of the players.
The Icemen’s next scheduled home game is set for 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.