New England Revolution defender Chris Tierney says players just want their basic rights in regards to the yet to be agreed collective bargaining agreement.
Tierney, who serves as the Revs player representative, admits the playing community do not want to strike ahead of the upcoming season but are keen for the league to give them what they deserve.
"It's not like the players don't want to play this season,'' said Tierney. "But, just basic rights, we're trying to get that. Players are willing to do whatever it takes to get those things. We hope there's not a work stoppage, but we're ready if it's necessary.
"The (players) union's made a proposal we think is fair. If you look at other leagues around the world, we're not asking for anything more than is really necessary to run a league.''
Tierney is confident that things will go their way and that the players will get a fair go in regards to basic salaries.
"When I came in the league, I signed a development contract for $12,000 a year, and that's one of the issues,'' Tierney said. "For guys living in cities on their own, $12,000 is not enough to survive as a professional.
"But what we feel more strongly about is contracts being guaranteed, so you can't be released at any time with four weeks' salary.
"I'm not in the negotiating room so it's hard to say which is causing more backup than others, but we feel really strongly about it and are willing to do what it takes to make it happen and I think it will be a favorable outcome for us."