The MLS Players Union appear to favour a vote for industrial action [strike] after talks with the MLS have lead to no results in the dispute between the two organizations. The vote was 382 in favour and two against to initiate the strike if a new collective bargaining agreement is not in place by the 23rd of March 2010 at 12:01 AM.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement that was in force for five years expired at the end of January 2010. It was renewed for another month until it expired at the end of February 2010. The offer to extend it another month was rejected by the Union. Pat Onstad [who is a goalkeeper for the Houston Dynamos and an Executive Board Member of the Union] praised the vote.

Mark Abbott [who is President of the MLS] has expressed his disappointment with the declarations about the possibility of a strike. According to him, this is not a reflection of what has been discussed in the presence of the Federal Mediator George H. Cowan. There was a gag order prohibiting both sides from talking about any deal.

Mr. Abbott [as well as the MLS Players Union] have left the door open for negotations in an attempt to avoid a strike. It is of the opinion of the underwriter [taking into account the legitimate grievances of both sides] that a strike would hurt the people who support the MLS and those who watch the games.

It is also feared that since football [soccer] has a tenuous hold in America, some of the accomplishments of the last 16 years could be diminished if not reversed. The MLS and the Players Union should swallow their pride and resolve their differences before the start of the MLS Season.

If they cannot do it for themselves, they should do it for the MLS fans.

http://my.nowpublic.com/sports/mls-major-league-soccer-players-vote-strike