PFA President Simon Colosimo, PFA Chief Executive Brendan Schwab, FFA Chief Executive Ben Buckley and Melbourne Victory Chief Executive Geoff Miles (on behalf of the A-League Clubs) today announced the signing of a landmark five year A-League Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the PFA and Football Federation Australia (FFA).
“This is another good news day for the Hyundai A-League,” FFA CEO, Ben Buckley, said.
“This collective bargaining agreement gives the Hyundai A-League clubs and our professional football players long term certainty and clarity in their working conditions and circumstances, as well as their rights and responsibilities, for the next five seasons.”
The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which runs until the end of the 2013 Hyundai A-League season, covers issues such as the salary cap, the minimum wage, career development programs and player entitlements.
“The new agreement contains measures which are very important to professional players such as an increase in the minimum wage, increased and improved entitlements related to career-ending injury, access to medical services and relocation, and a continuing commitment to player education and development through My Football Career,” Buckley said.
He added that the CBA will also assist Hyundai A-League clubs to plan and budget within an agreed framework.
The CEO of the PFA, Brendan Schwab, also welcomed the landmark agreement.
“From a player perspective, the CBA gives players a clear framework and confidence in their capacity to plan their life and build a career around football,” Schwab said.
“Ultimately, the FFA and the PFA have the same objective – to help grow the game of football and to give players a rewarding career path.
“This CBA goes a long way to helping achieve that,” Schwab said.
Buckley and Schwab were joined by PFA President and Sydney FC player, Simon Colosimo who said the finalisation of the CBA will help build confidence and trust between players, clubs and the FFA.
“I played in the former national league as well as the Hyundai A-League, and I can honestly say that this is a fantastic day for the players.
“We really appreciate the efforts of both the FFA and the PFA in negotiating and finalising this agreement, and I can say on behalf of the Hyundai A-League players, that we’re looking forward to getting on the park for the new season – and beyond.”
PFA President Simon Colosimo © Getty Images
