Today in a press release Major League Baseball announced that the league has launched a $1MM fund to help support Spring Training workers who have been impacted by the cancellation of Grapefruit League and Cactus League games. Funds will be issued by clubs based on individual needs and will be available to part-time and seasonal workers, including concession workers, grounds crew, security, clubhouse operators, general ballpark operators, and game operators.
“We know that our sport is facing a challenging time as we work toward a new collective bargaining agreement,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement announcing the fund. “Regrettably, the people who make Spring Training a first-class experience for our fans have been affected through no fault of their own. As an institution, Major League Baseball and our Clubs remain committed to supporting our most vulnerable staff. We hope this fund will alleviate some of the financial concerns they have faced due to missed Grapefruit and Cactus League games this spring.”
Just last week, the Major League Baseball Players Association along with the AFL-CIO announced that they are also launching a $1 million fund for workers affected by MLB owners’ lockout. "There are a lot of people who make our game great. Many aren’t seen or heard, but they are vital to the entertainment experience of our games,” MLBPA Executive Board leaders Andrew Miller and Max Scherzer said Thursday. “Unfortunately, they will also be among those affected by the owner-imposed lockout and the cancellation of games. Through this fund, we want to let them know that they have our support.”
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