WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced the Fair Ball Act, legislation that would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to ensure minor league baseball players receive minimum wage and overtime protections, unless they are already protected under a collective bargaining agreement. The bill seeks to repeal provisions of the 2018 Save America’s Pastime Act, which exempted teams from adhering to federal minimum wage and overtime requirements, while encouraging MLB to uphold collective bargaining agreements and ensuring those exemptions cannot be used as leverage in future negotiations.

“Connecticut fans know how much minor league teams like the Hartford Yard Goats mean to our communities,” said Murphy. “But for years, the athletes who work hard to make it all possible have been left behind by outdated and unfair labor laws. The Fair Ball Act is about righting a wrong and making sure minor league players get the fair pay and protections they deserve.”

“Minor League Baseball players deserve to be fairly compensated when their determination, diligence, and discipline drive millions in revenue for MLB owners,” said Blumenthal. “Unfortunately, MLB has worked vigorously to lobby for loopholes to avoid paying a minimum wage. I’m proud to support the Fair Ball Act which will shore up protections for Minor League Baseball players ensuring they receive fair compensation and that they’re able to continue fighting for increased wages and benefits.” 

In 2018, Major League Baseball successfully lobbied for legislation to shield itself from a class-action lawsuit alleging the league and its teams violated federal and state wage and hour laws. The league argued that 2018 legislation would protect Minor League teams from being contracted only to contract dozens of Minor League Baseball teams just two years later.

The new Fair Ball Act would help protect Minor League players and the gains they have made to earn a living wage as a result of their historic unionization under the Major League Baseball Players Association in 2022 and subsequent collective bargaining agreement with Major League Baseball. 

U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Peter Welch (D-Vt), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) also cosponsored the legislation.

The legislation is endorsed by the Major League Baseball Players Association, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, and the National Employment Law Project.

The text of the legislation is available HERE.

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