[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 135 (Friday, September 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         PLAY BASEBALL IN 1995

                                 ______


                           HON. PAT WILLIAMS

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 1994

  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill designed 
to encourage a settlement between the baseball players and owners. This 
bill addresses the inability of the owners and players to collectively 
bargain effectively given the antitrust exemption for baseball. The 
bill provides for mandatory and binding arbitration to preserve the 
1995 season if the parties fail to reach agreement on their own by 
February 1, 1995.
  Collective bargaining in this country works very well. Government 
should intervene in that process only at times of crises, and then only 
when it is clear that continued voluntary negotiations will not 
succeed. My legislation is introduced in that spirit.
  The current strike is the eighth work stoppage since 1972. One 
hundred and seventy-three days of play have been lost to strikes within 
the last 24 years. If the current impasse goes on, only 120 major 
league players will remain under contract for the next season. It is 
time for a change.
  The bill provides both a carrot and stick to encourage serious 
negotiations between the two sides. It gives the owners and players 
plenty of bargaining time to reach a settlement on their own. Only if 
bargaining does not result in an agreement would binding arbitration be 
imposed.
  My bill sets a target date of February 1, 1995, for the parties to 
reach an agreement on their own prior to the imposition of arbitration. 
This will ensure adequate time for the parties to negotiate on their 
own, while maintaining a backstop so that a decision will be reached in 
time to preserve baseball as we know it in 1995. The legislation 
provides for the establishment of an arbitration board by February 1, 
1995, which will render a final, binding decision based on choosing 
between the final offer of each party. This decision will occur by 
March 15, 1995.
  Again, the primary purpose of this bill is to promote an early 
settlement between the parties and have the 1995 baseball season begin 
on time.
  Play ball!

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