Judge: MLB violated labor laws with young athletes

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

Therefore, the Major League has violated the minimum wage law in the state of Arizona and must pay a triple compensation.

Federal District Judge Joseph C. Spero decided in San Francisco that he was fined $1,882,650 for major leagues for failing to comply with California's salary notice requirements.

Spero revealed a decision on page 181 on Tuesday night in connection with a lawsuit filed eight years ago.He decided that minor league players should leave home in the California League and pay time to practice in Arizona and Florida.

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

By denying the consent of many majors in making summary judgments, Spero allowed these claims to continue the process scheduled for June 1.

He said that the laws of the state of Arizona favor the players. Only the amount of compensation should be determined.

The Young Athlete Lawyer Steering Committee said in a statement: “For decades, minor 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'm looking forward to today's decision, which is a big step in keeping Major League accountable for the long-standing abuse of underage players.”

Major leagues did not immediately comment on the decision.

The lawsuit was filed by Aaron Senne, the first baseman and outfielder to be selected by the Florida Marlins in the 10th round of the 2009 draft; a senator who retired in 2013.

Senne joined the charges of two retired players who were selected in the lower round, named Michael Liberto from Kansas City and Oliver Odle from San Francisco.

The plaintiff claims that he violated the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the state minimum wage and overtime allowance requirements for the estimated service period between 50 and 60 hours.