ST. PETERSBURG (SNN-TV) – Minor League Baseball players are now officially part of the Major League Baseball Players Association. The Minor Leaguer’s union-authorization cards were validated by an arbitrator, signifying the final step toward joining the MLBPA.
The MLBPA recently negotiated a new five-year collective bargaining agreement that was signed in March after a three-month lockout. The organization can now turn its attention to help minor league players, which have previously been hurt by a lack of representation.
Major League Baseball agreed to pay a $185 million settlement to current and former players in July after allegations of violating minimum wage laws.
The Senate Judiciary Committee said in June it plans to hold hearings about the league’s treatment of minor leaguers.