Judge: MLB violated labor laws with young athletes

NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge ruled Tuesday that junior league players throughout the year were assigned to work during training hours.

Therefore, the main association violated Arizona's Minimum Wage Law and must pay a triple compensation.

Federal District Judge Joseph C. Spiro in San Francisco determined that he was fined $1,882,650 for major championships for failing to comply with the California salary notice requirements.

Spiro revealed a decision on page 181 Tuesday night in relation to a lawsuit filed eight years ago. He decided that junior league players should leave their home country in the California League and pay time to practice in Arizona and Florida.

“These are not students enrolled in vocational schools on the grounds that they will serve without pay as part of the practical training required to compete and obtain a license,” Spiro said.

By refusing the consent of several disciplines in making summary judgments, Spero allowed these allegations to continue the process scheduled for June 1.

He said Arizona laws favor players. Only the amount of compensation should be specified.

The Steering Committee of the Young Athlete's Lawyer said in a statement: “For decades, junior league players have been working for a long time throughout the year in exchange for poverty wages. “Working as a professional baseball player requires hours of training, practice and preparation throughout the year.

“I look forward to today's decision, which is a big step in keeping the Major League responsible for abusing underage players for a long time.”

Major leagues did not immediately comment on the decision.

The lawsuit was filed by Aaron Sen, the first baseman and stadiums to be selected by the Florida Marlins in the tenth round of the 2009 draft; a senator who retired in 2013.

Sen joined the charges of two retired players selected in the lower round, named Michael Liberto of Kansas City and Oliver Odell of San Francisco.

The plaintiff alleges that it violated federal law fair labor standards and minimum wage requirements and state overtime allowance for the estimated period of service between 50 and 60 hours.