The NHL Players’ Association and Professional Hockey Players’ Association joined the AFL-CIO labor federation Monday, becoming part of its sports council.
The addition brings AFL-CIO’s total membership to 63 unions representing more than 15 million workers. The move comes as hockey’s professional leagues engage in collective bargaining negotiations.
“Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership,” AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said. “We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our Sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions and professional development opportunities for professional hockey players.”
The NHLPA represents 750 players across the NHL’s 32 teams. The PHPA includes 1,800 members playing in the American Hockey League and ECHL.
“The NHLPA’s membership is proud to join the AFL-CIO and its sports council during this important moment in the labor movement,” NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh said. “We look forward to working together with other players’ associations and unions from across North America to ensure that workers in all industries have a collective voice in fighting for fair wages and safe and equitable workplaces.”
The AFL-CIO created its sports council in 2022. The council already includes unions representing NFL, WNBA, Major League Soccer and National Women’s Soccer League players.
“Our members are excited about taking an active role in working towards better outcomes for working people in every sector of the economy,” PHPA executive director Brian Ramsay said. “As we begin collective bargaining negotiations, our members will now enjoy the full support of the AFL-CIO at the bargaining table. This is what solidarity is all about.”
