“However,a three-year term offer has still been proposed along with an inferior one-year option,despite ANPA clearly articulating ad nauseam that a three-year option was not acceptable to players.”
It said the three-year offer put on the table by Netball Australia would provide players with a three per cent increase in base salary,and private health insurance. However,the “inferior” payment terms for the one-year deal proposed by the sport would only provide a 2 per cent increase.
Outlining why a three-year deal was not acceptable for the playing group,the union listed a “lack of clarity on the finances” and uncertainty regarding a strategic direction for netball.
“Put differently,to accept a three-year deal at this moment would run the very severe risk of locking the players into an unsatisfactory deal for a long time.”
In detailing why the one-year deal was not satisfactory,the ANPA said:
“This offer also fails to include any ‘upside’ mechanism which allows player to share in extra revenue they help generate for the game.”
“NA’s latest offer is also silent on ANPA’s proposal that would allow players and teams to enter one,two and/or three-year player contracts based on 2024 salary and marketing caps with these amounts being adjusted in 2025 and 2026 once the CPA is agreed for those seasons.”
The union also accused Netball Australia of “failing to develop and share a detailed understanding the true financial operations of netball”.
It said the administration had displayed a pattern of cancelling and postponing meetings,not meaningfully considering the priorities of the playing group,and failing to work cooperatively on developing financial models.
“The latest correspondence from NA adds to our frustrations,” the letter read.
The union said it would make a counterproposal.
In addition to seeking better player payments and minimum wages,the ANPA said it was seeking a revenue share,consultation and agreement protocols with players,improved parental and pregnancy policy and increased elite player opportunities.
“All of which needs to be based on a mutual and detailed understanding of the true financial status of the entire sport. Something which remains elusive for netball in Australia.”
Asking players to show their determination as negotiations continue,the letter said:
“We must remind ourselves as proud and capable female athletes that we see nothing more than a fair partnership with NA.
“Look after each other as we fight for a fair partnership. We will not be pressured by a weaponising the September 30 deadline.”
Loading
Netball Australia said the three-year deal it tabled was a strong offer.
“It sees players receive a 9 per cent pay rise over the course of the agreement,with a profit share mechanism introduced,” it said in a statement.
Acknowledging the ANPA does not support a three-year deal,the governing body said:“Due to this,Netball Australia has put forward a one-year rollover of the current CPA with a two per cent pay increase for players.”
It said increasing player wages was a priority for netball.
“Super Netball players are the best netballers in the world. They deserve a pay increase,however anything more than what has been offered would come at the cost of responsible financial management and funding for community and pathway programs.”
News,results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday.Sign up for our Sport newsletter.