In 1987, the NFL Players Association went on strike for one month. This was an essentially failed strike as it resulted in more damage to the players than the owners. Also, only one week of the regular season was cancelled. Here’s a more in depth look at the strike and what it means to football labor negotiations today.
NFLPA
The first problem the NFLPA had was the ability to fund the players for the amount of time spent on the picket lines. No money amounted to an increasing willingness to return to the table to hammer out a deal. However, there was also the matter of union solidarity. The owners opted to assemble teams of replacement players (which we will touch on shortly) that included veteran players who had crossed the picket lines.
Crossing the Picket Lines
The replacement teams were not perfect for owners, but they did have advantages. Veterans aside, the replacement teams were also comprised of players that had been cut during training camp. Sean Payton, who would go on to become the Super Bowl winning head coach of the New Orleans Saints, was a replacement quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Naturally these players were chomping at the bit to have an opportunity, even if it meant throwing solidarity out the window. Without a united front, the owners would prevail.
Replacement Teams
The replacement teams were economical for the owners. Each player was paid $1, 000 per game, which was an exceptional bargain for anyone bankrolling a football team. However, it came with its disadvantages as well. Networks were not eager to televise games that featured replacement players. The quality of the NFL’s product declined. An angry fan base was most certainly to the owners’ disadvantage.
NFL Players Collective Bargaining Agreement
On October 15, 1987, the NFLPA voted to go back to work without a new collective bargaining agreement in place. They couldn’t go back to work right away though. They had to wait another week before they could return to the field.
Though mainly veterans and cut players crossed the picket lines, some high profile players broke the strike. For example, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana went back to work ahead of the union. All told 80 players crossed the picket lines.
The NFLPA filed an antitrust suit against the owners, but the players did not succeed right away. Legal tactics and lawsuits would become more prevalent, particularly as it pertains to an NFL lockout in 2011. However, it remains to be seen whether or not replacement players will be used as a remedy for a lockout or a strike.
Derek Clendening - I'm a freelance writer and have combined writing with my love of football. I'm very opinionated about football, which you can learn more ...
