NRL referees land big win with new enterprise agreement as negotiations with players, RLPA continue

One down, two to go. The NRL has signed a new enterprise agreement with the game’s officials, writes PAMELA WHALEY.

Years of negotiation looks to have finally paid off for the PRLMO referees. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

The NRL has finally landed its first win during a crowded negotiation period after finalising a four-year enterprise agreement with the game’s referees.

In the background of a drawn out collective bargaining agreement negotiation with the Rugby League Players’ Association, the NRL has been negotiating with the referees union, the Professional Rugby League Match Officials, and this week finalised the paperwork.

The NRL, the PRLMO and referees themselves were all a part of the process which started at the end of October.

The swift turnaround has resulted in a win for the referees, who have negotiated salary increases, fair insurance protections and better working conditions with a focus on continuing the high performance of officials.

The new deal has added significantly more emphasis on their wellbeing and support in an increasingly stressful, as well as mentally and physically demanding role across the next four years.

Referees like Adam Gee are set for significant changes to salary and working conditions. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“When we sat down at the start of negotiations, we agreed that we had a shared goal of happy, healthy, high-performing match officials. I’m pleased to say that we have reached an agreement that meets those objectives,” said Jessica Macartney, PRLMO chair.

“This agreement builds on the first enterprise agreement and has prioritised conditions, in particular the wellbeing, work-life balance, and career transitions of the match officials.”

Importantly, as part of the agreement, the NRL has committed to significantly increase payments to match officials who form part of the NRLW competition to recognise the importance of the growth of the women’s game. It will also aim to develop more officials and support their pathway to the top-tier competitions.

“We thank the squad and the PRLMO for their co-operation and collaboration during this process and look forward to continuing to work closely together,” said Tain Drinkwater, the NRL’s executive general manager of performance and pathways.

Kasey Badger and referees who work across the NRLW will welcome the CBA changes. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“There were match officials present at the table for every meeting, and they were great advocates for their peers. This is a positive step for the game and for the Match Officials who are all passionate and diligent individuals.”

The finalised agreement comes at a crucial time for the NRL who are still negotiating with the RLPA over the collective bargaining agreement for the game’s male and female players.

The NRLW deal has been agreed in principle, but has yet to be finalised with the pre-season set to start at the end of May.

Originally published as NRL referees land big win with new enterprise agreement as negotiations with players, RLPA continue