Let me start with an overly dramatic statement: The time to put together a new CFL/CFL Players’ Association collective bargaining agreement is coming to an end. That is an exaggeration.
The current deal expires in 12 days, and players have said they will not go to work in 13 days without one. Those with well-placed sources (I’m speaking of network types and others) may get a small tip as to how talks are going, and once that is shared, fans will read as much into that as they can.
We have seen 11th-hour deals prevent labour disruptions in pro sports before. The issues here are pretty standard. Salaries, health benefits and roster ratio are the biggest items up for debate between the two sides according to reports. A week and a half can be a long period of time in these types of negotiations.
There is a ton of time to work out a new deal, even if many fans don’t see it that way.