The WIPA views the measures taken by the WICB as unwarranted and unjust.
We wish first to address the view expressed in the press release of the WICB Wednesday that the WIPA was lagged in responding to the board's proposal. Between August 10 and September 24 there were several items of correspondence passing between the parties and several discussions between the WIPA and the WICB.
We wish to stress that the issue here is not about fees. It is about recognition of the rights of the players, respect for the players by the WICB, the recognition by the WICB of the WIPA as the bargaining agent of the players and the terms and conditions of employment of the players.
WIPA made certain proposals for compromise at the meeting between the parties yesterday. These proposals were not accepted by the WICB.
The mood of the meeting suggested that it was convened as a disciplinary hearing and this was supported by letters sent to Messrs. Lara and Hooper by the WICB summoning them to Antigua to answer charges. The WICB was not prepared to accept the fact that Messrs. Lara and Hooper had journeyed to London as representatives of the WIPA to discuss the players' grievances with the other members of the team.
The players in London and South Africa are in solidarity and are standing firm on the issues. We are advised that the players in South Africa are ready and willing to join their colleagues in London.
The WIPA considers that there is a dispute between the WIPA and the WICB. We are, however, ready and willing to proceed with the tour and to continue negotiations. To this end, we are willing to meet with the president and any other representatives of the WICB in London as a matter of urgency to resolve this issue.
As stated in our press release yesterday, WIPA wishes to affirm its total commitment to West Indies cricket and the willingness of the players to take part in the upcoming tour to South Africa.
We are advised that in view of the on-going dispute and our efforts to reach a speedy resolution to same, we should restrict our comments to the media at this time.