CHL TO “VIGOROUSLY DEFEND” LAWSUIT
A class action lawsuit launched against the Canadian Hockey League alleges its players are underpaid and seeks millions in financial compensation.
The suit claims players have been paid less than the minimum wage required by law in their regions and asks for $180 million in back wages, overtime and vacation pay, as well as punitive damages.
The CHL is the umbrella organization for the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. It touts itself as the top development league for the NHL.
There are 60 teams in the CHL stretching from Victoria to Halifax as well as eight teams based in the United States. More than 1,300 players ranging from age 16 to 20 play in the CHL’s leagues, which comprise both privately owned and community-owned clubs. Teams such as the Calgary Hitmen and Edmonton Oil Kings are owned by the NHL team in their respective cities.
The lawsuit is the latest labour shot across the major junior hockey’s bow. An attempt to unionize major junior players stalled in 2012, but Canada’s largest private sector union Unifor expressed interest in July in representing the players in the future.
A statement of claim filed last Friday in Ontario court alleges that if players want to participate in these leagues, they must sign contracts paying them a weekly fee between $35 and $125 per week with no set hourly wage, overtime, vacation or holiday pay.
The lawsuit cites OHL players as examples, saying they devote 35 to 40 hours to a team and receive $50 a week on average.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
The crux of the lawsuit isn’t whether the players are professional or amateur, but whether they are employees of their teams or “independent contractors.”
“The big question is whether the players are employees within the meaning of minimum-age legislation across the country versus an independent contractor,” said Toronto lawyer Ted Charney, who is representing the players. “If the judge hearing the class action decides they’re employees, in my opinion, there is a breach of legislation across the country.”
CHL commissioner David Branch counters the players are neither employees nor independent contractors.
“They’re amateur student-athletes,” Branch said in an interview Monday. “We’ll certainly vigorously defend ourselves because this could not only in our view have a negative effect on hockey in Canada, but through all sports in which amateur student-athletes are involved.”
(Canadian Press)
The lawsuit found their 1 player who thought the CHL did him wrong cause he wasn't good enough to cut it in the OHL… Sam Berg its going to be the whipping boy and get dragged down by the CHL lawyers when they prove he wasn't good enough to cut it in the league. So up next is what…. every AAA midget league that charges admission to their games… where do we draw the line here, these kids sign up for this free will, there is no gun held to their head to play in the CHL…. the kids and… Read more »
This is a huge issue no matter the final ruling. It will bring a few things to public and others' attention that may require some changes. One I would like to see is a requirement that school age kids cannot be drafted/traded away from their home territory. I know that is not what many want in this day of (wannabe) pro sports business. But there is a business case to be made along with the human one. Each promising kid coming through kids hockey ranks brings a potential of 20-50 family/friends/teammates and even teammates' parents to the rink … who… Read more »
Good post Lyle……what most poeple who haven't actually been involved in major junior dont get is that it is big business, the stress and constant evaluations of these kids is much more severe than 90% of adults with jobs. They get shipped up and down and side to side and are told things straight up that would make most adults cry. Pretty much anyone on these posts who doesn't think these players deserve more than what they get is just wrong….plain and simple. For the very select few that move on to pro this isn't as much of an issue,… Read more »
The only people here that will make any will be the lawyers. I agree that it would be better that kids play close to home but what about the ones that don't want to? Just leave it alone
Send the union the bill for billeting, equipment, etc etc.
If this ever came to be, you would soon be saying good-bye to all small market franchises. Cities like Regina & Saskatoon would be better off getting minor Pro teams in their buildings, especially because part of the salaries are paid by parent NHL teams. I don't see how the CHL would be able to survive.
dear leader harper will put a stop to this if it gets any legs under it.
what no rider talk here yet?
I thought KJ did the best he could under the circumstances.
There, you happy moron.
You ARE in Rider Nation after all. I personally hate hockey but….deal with it.
your ARE a prime example of why rider fans are viewed as obnoxious dimwits.
Hmmmm. Where I live Rider fans are viewed as passionate loyal fans.
Go Lions