MLB union leader to discuss new labor policy at Graham Center

April 16, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Donald Fehr, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, will speak Monday at the University of Florida’s Graham Center for Public Service on the need for a new national labor policy.

The talk will take place at 7 p.m. in the Pugh Hall Ocora. It is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

Fehr joined the association as general counsel in August 1977 and was named executive director in December 1985. As executive director, Fehr serves as the players’ chief negotiator in collective bargaining with Major League Baseball franchise owners, and has general responsibility for administering other aspects of the association’s activities, including contract administration, grievance arbitration, and pension and health care matters.

“We are pleased to have one of the highest profile labor leaders come to the Graham Center,” said Mike Bowen, assistant director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service. “With Congress jostling over the Employee Free Choice Act and other proposed labor reforms, Mr. Fehr’s talk will give us his perspective, informed by many years as head of the baseball union, on where current legislation is lacking and what changes seem plausible for the future.”

The Graham Center for Public Service provides students with opportunities to train for future leadership positions, meet policymakers and take courses in critical thinking, language learning and studies of world cultures. Its mission is to foster public leadership and solve issues related to the Americas and homeland security. It also serves as a magnet to attract distinguished scholars and speakers to Florida.