More promises
WICB, WIPA pledge goodwill in future
PORT OF SPAIN
www.trinidadexpress.com
Thursday, August 10th 2006
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) have again committed themselves to a new dispensation of cooperation, after settling their latest pay dispute.
The WICB have agreed to pay the players a total of US$100,000 for the four preliminary matches in the upcoming three-nation series, and an additional US$50,000 if the team reaches the Final.
The two sides have also pledged to work together to dispose of all outstanding matters no later than August 31.
"WICB and WIPA each recognise their common interest in the development and success of West Indies cricket," a joint statement signed by WICB President Ken Gordon and WIPA Executive President Dinanath Ramnarine.
"The relationship in the past has been one of conflict and controversy-a situation which is inimical to West Indies cricket, particularly for the stability, growth, and development of the game in the Caribbean.
The statement added: "Both parties recognise the goodwill which has made this agreement possible and restate their desire to improve the earnings of the Board and the Players whenever practicable."
Media reports have indicated that WIPA have agreed to accept a minimum fee of US$30,000 for the junior players and the upper figure for the more seasoned players now stands at US$75,000.
The WICB claimed Friday that WIPA's demands for payments ranging from US$40,000 to $US95,000 per player was unacceptable.
The agreed payments represent 30 per cent of the revenue the WICB will earn from the series, ten per cent lower than WIPA's original demand and five per cent higher than the Board's original offer.
The two parties have also committed themselves to making public statements on controversial issues, only after every reasonable effort has been made to resolve differences internally.
"Both parties acknowledge that there is a Dispute Resolution Process, as is contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement which will be signed by August 31 and emphasise their commitment to follow this process," the joint statement said.
"Both parties commit themselves to engage in a relationship of mutual respect and the honouring of all agreements arrived at between the parties."
As a result, West Indies will send its strongest side to the limited-overs international series in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur next month.
India, whom they defeated 4-1 in a recent series, and World champions Australia are the likely opponents for the series.
After negotiations had broken down earlier, the WICB made their offer directly to the selected squad of 14 players using match/tour contracts, since its deadline for accepting the invitation from the Indian board for the tournament was approaching.
