Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On Wednesday, the National Lacrosse League Players’ Association (NLLPA) announced it is formally affiliating with the AFL-CIO, becoming the ninth professional sports union in the AFL-CIO Sports Council.
he AFL-CIO Sports Council was formed in 2022 to build power across unions in professional sports, amplify the voices of athletes and shine a light on the challenges they face as workers.
“Lacrosse players are incredible athletes who put their bodies, their passion and their expertise into a sport that is skyrocketing in popularity, and they deserve a union that has their backs every step of the way,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “By joining the AFL-CIO and our Sports Council, NLLPA members are helping grow a powerful movement of athlete-workers who are standing up for fairness, respect and a safe workplace. The future of professional sports is union strong, and lacrosse players are stepping onto the field leading that charge.”
“Joining the AFL-CIO and its Sports Council is an exciting step forward for our players and our union,” said NLLPA Vice President and Executive Director Reid Reinholdt. “This affiliation connects us with a powerful network of athlete-workers who share our commitment to fairness, respect and progress across professional sports. Together, we’ll learn from one another, strengthen our collective voice, and ensure our members have the knowledge and support to meet the evolving challenges of sports. It’s an honor to stand alongside unions that are setting the standard for what representation in sports can and should be.”