KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) The ECHL has been impacted by an ongoing player strike as of Friday, following stalled negotiations between the league and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The work stoppage has immediately led to the postponement of several league games including those of the Kalamazoo wings.
The PHPA, which authorized the strike last Friday, cited alleged “unfair labor practices” and a lack of progress in negotiations that began in January 2025 as the reasons for the work stoppage. The union is seeking better standards for player health, safety and working conditions, including fair wages, mandatory time off, and the provision of new equipment, rather than used gear.
In response, the ECHL stated that the union leadership “deprived players of the opportunity to vote on our last, best, and final offer”. The league’s proposal included an immediate 20-percent salary increase in the first year and an overall increase in total player salaries by nearly 27 percent in future years, as well as a boost in the per-diem rate and more guaranteed off days.
The ECHL has published details of its offer on its official website.
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