MLB union files grievance over player donations

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-dodgers-fyi22-2009mar22,0,2730647.story

Labor group is challenging whether charitable donations, such as those given by Manny Ramirez and other Dodgers, can be required as part of a contract.
By Bill Shaikin and Dylan Hernandez

March 22, 2009
Reporting from Goodyear, Ariz. -- The "Ramirez Provision" has been put into jeopardy, as the players' union has filed a grievance challenging whether charitable donations can be required as part of a contract.

"I find it odd, in these challenging times, that we encounter a complaint against the idea of players giving back to the communities that support them," Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said Saturday.



Lisa Blumenfeld / Getty Images
Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez gets ready to loosen up before a spring training game last week at Camelback Ranch in Arizona.


As part of his new two-year, $45-million contract, Manny Ramirez agreed to donate $500,000 per year to the Dodgers' charitable foundation. McCourt said he would implement the "Ramirez Provision," asking players to make a donation, at an amount of their choosing, as part of all future contracts.

The union filed a grievance Friday against 22 clubs, including the Dodgers and Angels, claiming that at least 109 players should not have to make a combined $6 million in charitable donations this season, according to Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president of labor resources.


FULL story at link.