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19:44 GMT         Day 86 of 90, Season 68    

Levis: Union prepared to take action over rider wages
by Zee, at 24/10-11 - 15:29 GMT


  By Emery Paquette
  
  Union Cycliste Professionale (UCP) representative Gregory Levis yesterday sent a strong message to OCM directors, saying that the riders were willing to strike if wage demands were not met.
  
  The veteran Equipo Easy On rider made the comments on a radio broadcast for the Dodge Racing Channel a day ago.
  
  "We've been petitioning the OCM directors to change

the system, to start providing us professional cyclists with a regular wage," Levis said.
  
  "OCM has been traditionally been built on a structure where we receive a lump sum signing on fee upon agreeing a contract with a pro team.
  
  "We receive training and equipment from our teams, but we don't get paid a wage other then expenses."
  
  The Cayman Islander did admit however, that talks were still ongoing and union leaders were hopeful of reaching some sort of agreement with the OCM

hierarchy.
  
  "It hasn't gotten to such a serious stage yet of course, but [a general strike] is on the agenda."
  
  He went on to point out that such action was only to be undertaken as a last resort and that "relations [would] have broken down to quite a large extent" for it to occur.
  
  The OCM Chairman's office have so far failed to comment on the claims.
  
  For a full transcript of the DRC broadcast, check the forums or simply click here.



Comments


NightmareChaos at 18:48 24/10-2011
  I say does pesky riders are getting spoiled, they demand more and more. What will be next? Bedtime stories? Cream in their coffee?
  If we keep giving them what they demand, we will ride the bikes soon and they are in the car.


Asymm Project at 20:56 24/10-2011
  I don't want this measure to be implemented "without warning". I currently count on the money that my captain will give me when I release him, how will that change?
  
  I hope to know it with time to decide his future...
  
  PS: I know I'll like that system, but the "change" needs to be properly done.


Team Crazy Downhillers at 22:46 24/10-2011
  Why dont just give us the money the captains are worth when this is made real, so we (especially us players in the high divisions) wont lose a lot of money on this?
  
  Maybe we will see OCM armaggedon where everybody releases their riders the day before, to ensure, that their 300k captains wont be worth nothing?


Hommerts Cycling Team at 08:41 25/10-2011
  @TCD I think we all got spoiled by releasing a rider and then receive many cash. In RL you also don't fire a rider and then receive money for it. If the wages were implemented right at season 1 then it would be normal to keep a rider until his retirement. But when this comes there still are some questions. Like where you get the money from to train a new captain and/or to buy a rider from another team.


Cremtec at 09:30 25/10-2011
  If you are planning to integrate this I'm afraid there need to be a lot o other changes too... Like the whole training system has to be looked at again and perhaps be more age-bound then money-bound... But if the changes might make the game better then I'm definitely pro!


Asymm Project at 10:44 25/10-2011
  @Justin. Of course. I like the idea of the new system and I know it's better than what we have now. Anyways, the current system gives you a great profit by releasing riders, so I expect an armaggedon as Rene says, not because the new system won't be good, but because the current is "better" in terms of profit.


Hommerts Cycling Team at 10:49 25/10-2011
  @Asymm
  
  Agree with that but would be funny though. Release you're whole team. Get a million cash and then hire them back again for a small signing fee :p
  
  Whole OCM f5'ing then xD


Asymm Project at 11:00 25/10-2011
  That will/would be epic :D


Bywater CT at 19:05 25/10-2011
  What we have now: a game with small tactical possibilities, admin seriously lacking time, but trully unique and interesting economy. Is it really so good idea to get rid of the last thing and stay with two other ones?


6feet at 14:42 5/11-2011
  I think the system of buying, selling or releasing is good and fitted to the structure of the game. In real live cyclingteams are lucky to find a big sponsor, its not just about results. And that is hard to simulate.
  If the change in that is nesesairy, i hope it wont be a big fist change. Start small so poeple get used to it and in a second stage expend it.