How does the PA rep work?

Question

Last year, I recall that Bryan McCabe was the PA representative for the Leafs, but I see now that Matt Stajan is. From my experience working for unionized employers, union reps never change, so I'm surprised to see this. I was also very surprised to see someone that young and with such low senority in the union being a rep. How often to do they change them? Why?

Answer 1

Union reps change. Depending on the local bylaws, an election may be held every year. In this instance it would have to be because of thye potential for player movement. Could be McCabe wanted to focus on his game since he sucked so bad last year. (Leafs fan, I can say it).

Answer 2

Union reps change constantly in pro sports. The reason, I think, has changed over the years. In the old days (30 years ago), owners would get into labor disputes, blame the player closest to him, and send him packing. It got to the point where taking the job was a bad career move.

Now, people generally understand that someone has to take the job. It usually is pretty stress-free, except when a contract is up. The job often goes to someone who is interested in it, will take it, and is pretty smart. In other words, the Stanford grads have an edge.

Answer 3

Due to the possibility of movement at any time, player reps tend to be interchangeable.

Some players love the job (Lindros, Damphousse, Trottier, Gartner) and some players hate it (Gary Leeman, Jean-Paul Bordeleau)