West Indies board and players pledge goodwill

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA) have again committed themselves to a new dispensation of cooperation, after settling their latest pay dispute. The two sides have also pledged to work together to dispose of all outstanding matters (including retainer contracts) no later than August 31.

The WICB have agreed to pay the players a total of US$100,000 for the four preliminary matches in the upcoming tri-series in Singapore and Malaysia, and an additional US$50,000 if the team reaches the final.

"WICB and WIPA each recognise their common interest in the development and success of West Indies cricket," a joint statement signed by Ken Gordon, the WICB president and Dinanath Ramnarine, the WIPA executive president said. "The relationship in the past has been one of conflict and controversy - a situation which is inimical to West Indies cricket, particularly for the stability, growth, and development of the game in the Caribbean.

"Both parties recognise the goodwill which has made this agreement possible and restate their desire to improve the earnings of the Board and the Players whenever practicable."

The parties settled the dispute, after the WIPA agreed to accept a minimum fee of US$30,000 for the junior players and the upper figure for the more seasoned players now stands at US$75,000. The WICB claimed that the WIPA's original demands for payments ranging from US$40,000 to $US95,000 per player was unacceptable.

The two parties have also committed themselves to making public statements on controversial issues, only after every reasonable effort has been made to resolve differences internally.

"Both parties acknowledge that there is a Dispute Resolution Process, as is contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement which will be signed by August 31 and emphasise their commitment to follow this process," the statement said. "Both parties commit themselves to engage in a relationship of mutual respect and the honouring of all agreements arrived at between the parties."