Time Out for NFL Refs

NFL Referees and the National Football League are headed to federal mediation in negotiations over a new labor agreement. Reports are that the NFL has already instructed its scouts to begin preparing for the possibility that replacement officials could be used during the upcoming season if a deal is not struck. Last year, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (an independent agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation) mediated negotiations between the league and the players’ union before the lockout. The league and the players did not return to that FMCS mediation, though negotiations resumed when litigation ensued, ultimately producing a 10-year labor agreement completed last summer. A federal court-appointed mediator oversaw settlement talks after players dissolved their union and filed an antitrust case against owners. In this matter, the refs and league are apparently intent on reaching a deal without litigation. See article - http://wapo.st/KXU6G7 and FMCS announcement http://www.fmcs.gov/internet/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=39&itemID=23700

Has the Fat Lady Sung @ NYC Opera?

The New York City Opera locked out its union performers following a long Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service mediation. Much like the recent sports disputes, but on a much smaller scale, compensation is the sticking point. Until last year, the company was based at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, next door to the Metropolitan Opera. Founded in 1943, it has presented greats like Placido Domingo and Beverly Sills. But the company's budget this season is down 57 percent from two years earlier and the sides are apparently entrenched. Dealing with arts disputes can be emotional and tricky, but to see another storied company go under in this economy is sad, even if you aren't a fan. See Bloomberg story: http://bit.ly/A5CaU9