Scab Umpires

[Texas Aggie]

In some parts of the country, it MIGHT affect them, but in most places it won't. Outside of heavily unionized areas, there isn't much sympathy for unions in general. There's a belief that the union protects lousy work habits and raises prices by artificially keeping wages too high. I'm sure that really isn't the case with the minor league umpires and I think the pay listed is abysmal.

However, there are many officials for amatuer sports that think we are underpaid as well. Our option? Quit and do something else. So there isn't much sympathy for striking officials. Either way, I think most upper level college assignors would see it as a plus to bring on a guy with some limited AA experience. They are going to like the fact that they are available and willing to work.

[irefky]

First of all I support the Minor League Umpires and really feel that they have been short changed for a long time. I am not sure how they make it on this type of salary in the first place.

I remember a few years ago were the current major league player through MLBPA cut a percentage from the current players to help former players who were not fortunate to make the cash they do today.

Has anything been asked of the current MLBUA to do this? I am not sure of what these guys make but they all come up through the ranks of minor league baseball and know the day to day struggles.

These umpires, are they local high school umpires? How do they afford to leave their work to do these games? It seems that it would be hard to find umpires who are employed to work day games.

Myself, there's no way I could just drop my job and work games at this level unless they were all played during the evening.