Upshaw Accuses NFL’s Management of ‘Plain and Simple Union-Busting’

Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Assn., accused management of “plain and simple union-busting” Friday and said management has scorned his efforts to reach a compromise on a new contract.

The two sides are scheduled to meet this afternoon at an unspecified site.

Since the collective bargaining agreement expired Aug. 31, the sides have met for only 4 1/2 hours. The union has set a strike date of Sept. 22, immediately following the second week of the regular season.

“We have made every effort possible to avoid a strike, but what we get from the other side is total resistance, no compromise, take it or leave it,” Upshaw said. “They said, accept our position or go on the street.”

Jack Donlan, chief negotiator for the NFL Management Council, said, “Compromise is inherent in our proposal. One of the ways to avoid a strike is to negotiate, and we’ve had continued difficulty getting the union to the bargaining table.”

Upshaw said he met with the AFL-CIO Friday morning to discuss putting together a plan that would provide for support of the players “when and if it comes to it.”

Thursday, after a meeting of their executive committee, NFL owners said they would continue operations even if there is a walkout, using free agents in order to field teams.