AFLW CBA: Players vote down proposal on pay, conditions, Chloe Molloy calls for unity
The AFLW’s 2018 Rising star Chloe Molloy has backed the AFLPA and called for a swift resolution after disgruntled players voted down a proposed new collective bargaining agreement, leaving the new season in limbo.
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Collingwood AFL Women’s star Chloe Molloy has thrown her support behind the AFL Players’ Association after the AFLW war reached crisis point.
The 2018 Rising Star winner hopes there will be a swift resolution to the new collective bargaining agreement after 30 per cent of the playing group voted to reject it.
Molloy was one of a trio of AFLW players to weigh in, joining former Carlton captain Lauren Arnell and Brisbane’s Jess Wuetschner.
The @AFLPlayers have my full support as a player. I trust that they have our best intentions in the forefront of their minds when negotiating our future.
— Chloe Molloy (@chloemollloy) October 6, 2019
I hope that the group can soon come to a united approval of the CBA so we can focus our energy on preseason & games. https://t.co/1sCPYqjA08
I would like to throw my support behind the crew at the @AFLPlayers as well, I personally believe what they have been able to negotiate in all aspects of the game/ pay over the next 3 years would be a great outcome for AFLW. https://t.co/0Dv6Zlx0aj
— Jessica Wuetschner (@JessicaWoochnar) October 6, 2019
So happy to be back in Brisbane for @lionsaflw & season 2020 @aflwomens . There have been a number of unbalanced reports recently. I support the team @AFLPlayers who have worked with us since 2016 & trust their work in negotiating a sustainable deal for now & future generations.
— Lauren Arnell (@Larnell13) October 3, 2019
The vote — which closed at 5pm on Friday amid a process riddled with players unable to have their say due to junk mail issues that was labelled a “farce” — needed 75 per cent of the playing cohort to vote in favour of the new deal to pass.
“The @AFLPlayers have my full support as a player. I trust that they have our best intentions in the forefront of their minds when negotiating our future,” Molloy tweeted
“I hope that the group can soon come to a united approval of the CBA so we can focus our energy on preseason & games.”
Carlton star Darcy Vescio and Geelong’s Meg McDonald have led a group of players, who have engaged lawyers, calling for greater clarity surrounding negotiations and full details surrounding the deal that had been struck, along with a greater role in talks.
Lawyers for Maurice Blackburn acting on behalf of the group against the deal demanded players be “heard and respected”.
“Our clients have been working with the AFLPA in good faith since first being presented with this deal a number of weeks ago,” Maurice Blackburn senior associate Jacinta Lewin said.
“The AFLPA must take the opportunity that is now available to them to engage in genuine and transparent consultation with all players.
“The AFLPA needs to evaluate how they communicate and consult with players. There needs to be a genuine desire to understand their concerns.
“Many of the issues of concern about the CBA were raised weeks ago. The AFLPA needs to reflect on how they listen to the voices of their members.
“Players had tried to voice their concerns on multiple occasions over the last few weeks. It is a sign that their views need to be heard and respected.”
The group — which includes star players Darcy Vescio and Meg McDonald — is calling for greater clarity surrounding negotiations and full details surrounding the deal that had been struck, along with a greater role in negotiations.
The AFLPA said it would now consult with players to determine the next step.
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Lewin said the association needed to be ready to return to negotiation having listened to its players.
“They need clear and transparent commitments to a consultation process going forward,” Ms Lewin said.
“The female players voices should be at the centre of consultations
“Players have raised valid and legitimate concerns that should be addressed. The AFLPA exists to support and promote it’s members.”
The group on Friday called for the ballot process to be overhauled after many players could not access the voting link.
It also had concerns surrounding the confidentiality of the vote and had called for independent scrutineers to assess the result.
“We also look forward to the AFLPA improving future ballot processes so that all player can vote confidentially, without disclosing their clubs,” Lewin said.
“All players should know the voting deadline and understand why they haven’t received the ballot.
“All the players want the AFLPA to sort out its procedures so everyone can get on with playing footy.”