Minor League Umpires Have Tentative Deal

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Minor league umpires have reached a tentative settlement with management for the second time, a deal that could end a season-long strike.

The Association of Minor League Umpires and the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation agreed to a contract April 27, but umpires rejected that agreement by a 2-1 margin on May 1. The sides resumed talks last Wednesday with the assistance of a federal mediator.

"Late Friday, the AMLU made a proposal to settle the strike that PBUC agreed was acceptable," management lawyer George Yund said in an e-mail Tuesday. "AMLU is in the process of putting the tentative agreement out for a vote. If it is ratified today, the striking umpires will be returned to work on or before June 12."

Union lawyer Robert Weaver didn't immediately respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

Umps have been on strike since minor league seasons began April 6.