A-League players told they don’t have to join union to get benefits as power struggle grows

THE power struggle that has split Australian football’s players association has taken a new twist, with benefits not dependent on being in the PFA.

Damien de Bohun, head of the A league speaking at a media conference at St. Josephs, Bardon. Players Luke Brattan and Matt Smith brought the A-League trophy to the school for a photo opportunity. Pic Mark Cranitch.

THE power struggle that has split football’s players association has taken a new twist, with players contacting Football Federation Australia to find out whether they have to even join the association to get the A-League’s employment benefits.

With half of the league’s players having signed a motion of no confidence in the CEO of Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), Adam Vivian, it’s believed some members have canvassed the option of leaving the union.

Players at six clubs have so far refused to return membership forms for 2016, and FFA confirmed that access to the A-League’s welfare and education programs — as well as the pay scales — was not dependent on being in the PFA.

The PFA’s executive continues to back Vivian, but under the association’s rules a general meeting has to be called within days to vote on the motion of no confidence.

Last year union membership at the A-league clubs was 100 per cent but serious dissent among members has sparked discussion of leaving it.

“A-League players do not need to be members of the PFA to have their Collective Bargaining Agreement entitlements protected,” said the head of the A-League, Damien de Bohun.

“The CBA, in conjunction with the player contract regulations and the standard player contract, provides a very thorough legal framework for each and every player.

“In our view, the primary relationship is between the player and his club, as the employer. FFA’s role is to enhance and protect this professional environment and we take that responsibility seriously.”

FFA pays the PFA $1m to run player welfare and development programs, and an FFA spokesman confirmed that “several A-League players have contacted the organisation to check whether PFA membership is mandatory under the CBA. They were assured it was not”.

PFA Player Relations Manager, Simon Colosimo, confirmed that “the Collective Bargaining Agreement was negotiated to the benefit of all players. The PFA’s mission is to support the players but importantly build a better game.

“For the players to receive the benefits contracted into the CBA, the responsibility sits with FFA to negotiate the best possible broadcast deal to ensure football delivers on its potential.”

Originally published as A-League players told they don’t have to join union to get benefits as power struggle grows