Are NFL players able to opt out of the union?

The Game Room
1

I guess that’s pretty much it.

2

Moved to the Game Room.

Colibri
GQ Moderator

3

It’s really more a legal/labor question but ok.

4

Actually just delete the thread please. Posted to GQ because I wanted a simple definitive answer. I’ll live in ignorance of the question.

5

Might depend on which state they are in. Many southern states allow you to opt out of some unions. For Hollywood unions you can opt out of most of it but keep what they call FiCor. That means financial core so you would keep benefits. This was brought up when the writers had their last strike. but maybe they changed that so it’s all or nothing now.

6

Personal anecdote: My second cousin had a ten year (or so) career in the NFL. That branch of my family is as conservative, pro-Trump, Republican, anti-union as they come. If anyone would’ve opted out of a union, I imagine it would’ve been him. But he was a union member for his whole career.

7

From the contract, Article 47, Section 1:

"Section 1. Union Security: Every NFL player has the option of joining or not joining the NFLPA; provided, however, that as a condition of employment commencing with the execution of this Agreement and for the duration of this Agreement and wherever and whenever legal: (a) any active player who is or later becomes a member in good standing of the NFLPA must maintain his membership in good standing in the NFLPA; and (b) any active player (including a player in the future) who is not a member in good standing of the NFLPA must, on the 30th day following the beginning of his employment or the execution of this Agreement, whichever is later, pay, pursuant to Section 2 below or otherwise to the NFLPA, an annual service fee in the same amount as any initiation fee and annual dues required of members of the NFLPA. "

So you don’t have to join but you do have to pay the equivalent of dues.

8

In that case, is there any benefit to not joining?

9

You’re not bound by marketing agreements made by the NFLPA: so you can keep your name and likeness out of videogames unless you’re paid separately, if that’s your bag.

Because this clause stipulates that it’s only effective where legal, wouldn’t this not effect any player in a Right to Work State (Dolphins, Jaguars, Bucs, Falcons, Saints, Lions, Panthers, Titans, Texans, Cowboys, Redskins and Packers)?