CFL players typically receive upfront money, as either a signing or roster bonus, as part of their contractsGETTY IMAGES
The CFLPA is "requesting players refrain from participating in any activity with the CFL office" after the league began "instructing teams not to pay off-season bonuses to players until after a new collective-bargaining agreement is ratified," according to Dan Ralph of the CP. The union issued a letter yesterday that told players to do so "until we conclude bargaining." Many CFL players have "traditionally received upfront money, in the form of either a signing or roster bonus, as part of their contracts." But this year, that cash "won’t be paid until after a new agreement is accepted." The union's request comes at a time when contract talks between the CFL and CFLPA "have yet to begin." On Saturday, CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said that the expectation is for negotiations to "begin at some point in March." The current CBA is set to expire in May. The CFLPA said that it is "instituting the initiative at the players’ request" (CP, 2/11).
