Minor League Umpires Strike

It looks like a strike is on for the moment at the minor league level.

Minor league baseball umpires voted Friday to authorize their first strike since forming a union in 2000 and said Class AAA members would not serve as fill-in major league umps until there is a contract.

The minor league umps, whose five-year labor deal expired in November, had previously voted not to work spring training games. The decision whether to strike will be made by the union’s officers.

“Our goal all along has been to get a fair contract without a strike, and we still hope that we can get it done,” said Andy Roberts, president of the Association of Minor League Umpires. “Our members have told us loud and clear, however, that they’re prepared to strike if that’s what it takes to get a fair contract.”

The following is made by the umpires at the various levels. Obviously lots less than the pro-level.

Roberts, an umpire with the Triple-A International League, had said the average salary for minor league umpires has remained unchanged for a decade. It is about $15,000 at Triple-A, $12,000 at Double-A, $10,000 in full-season A-ball and $5,500 in rookie leagues.

It will be interesting to see if they it is resolved before the season begins.

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