An effort to unionize U.S. soccer’s third division has gained support from more than half of the USL players, the threshold needed to begin the process of becoming formally recognized.
Organizers said this week that about 53 percent of the players have signed authorization cards. If the league, which is two levels below MLS, does not voluntarily recognize the union, the United Soccer League Players Association said it will petition the National Labor Relations Board to conduct an election. A majority vote would result in certification. The process could take another year.
With a recognized union, the players would have the right to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement.