NHLPA and PHPA join AFL-CIO, boosting union membership to 63 unions

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NHLPA and PHPA Join Forces with AFL-CIO, Boosting Labor Movement Strength

Affiliation of NHLPA and PHPA bring AFL-CIO membership up to 63 affiliated unions, represents historic momentum for the labor movement

(Washington, D.C.)—In a significant move for the labor movement, the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA) have officially joined the AFL-CIO and its Sports Council. This affiliation marks a pivotal moment as the unions unite under the banner of the largest labor federation in the United States.

The NHLPA, which represents around 750 players from 32 NHL teams, and the PHPA, representing about 1,800 players from 61 teams in the American Hockey League and the ECHL, contribute to increasing the AFL-CIO's affiliated unions to 63. This expansion now encompasses over 15 million workers nationwide.

Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, expressed her enthusiasm about the affiliation: “Whether our work is on the rink, in the classroom or on the factory floor, every worker deserves a voice on the job and the power that comes with union membership.” She further highlighted the importance of this unity by stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the NHLPA and the PHPA into the federation and our Sports Council, and we look forward to supporting their work to ensure strong union contracts, fair wages, safe working conditions and professional development opportunities for professional hockey players.”

Highlighting the significance of this union, Marty Walsh, the NHLPA’s executive director, noted, “The NHLPA’s membership is proud to join the AFL-CIO and its Sports Council during this important moment in the labor movement. We look forward to working together with other players’ associations and unions from across North America to ensure that workers in all industries have a collective voice in fighting for fair wages and safe and equitable workplaces.”

Brian Ramsay, PHPA’s executive director, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are so proud to be part of the 15 million-member AFL-CIO and their Sports Council, and our members are excited about taking an active role in working towards better outcomes for working people in every sector of the economy. As we begin collective bargaining negotiations, our members will now enjoy the full support of the AFL-CIO at the bargaining table. This is what solidarity is all about.”

Formed in 2022, the AFL-CIO Sports Council aims to unify unions within the sports industry, empowering athletes and addressing workplace challenges. This council unites diverse unions, including the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA), the USL Players Association-CWA (USLPA-CWA), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), ensuring that athletes' voices are heard alongside those of service and hospitality workers in the sports sector.

For more information, contact Prerna Jagadeesh at 202-637-5018.

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