MLB unveils $1 million fund for workers affected by lockout

Major League Baseball said on Tuesday it has created a $1 million fund to help support workers affected by canceled spring training games as a result of the ongoing lockout of players over a labour dispute.

The fund will be administered by teams to individuals based on financial need and will be available to part-time and seasonal workers, including concessionaires, grounds crew, security, clubhouse and general ballpark and game operators.

MLB also said an additional fund will be created for the seasonal and part-time workers affected by missed regular season games with details to be announced at a future date.

“Regrettably, the people who make spring training a first-class experience for our fans have been affected through no fault of their own,” MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred said in a news release.

“As an institution, Major League Baseball and our clubs remain committed to supporting our most vulnerable staff.

“We hope this fund will alleviate some of the financial concerns they have faced due to missed Grapefruit and Cactus League games this spring.”

The announcement comes after the MLB Players Association said last week they were launching a $1 million support fund for workers impacted by the ongoing lockout.

Also on Tuesday, MLBPA announced an additional $500,000 “Fastball Fund” to support nonprofits impacted by the lockout.

That fund will be geared toward organizations that provide youth development programs throughout the communities in Arizona and Florida that have historically benefited from Spring Training games through fundraising and promotional activities.

MLB locked out its players in December after failing to reach terms on a new collective bargaining agreement.

The league has since said spring training games, which were originally scheduled to begin in late February, will begin no earlier than March 18, while the first week of the regular season has been canceled.

Source : Baseball – The Japan Times