The National Football League’s official referees will be back on the field tonight, ending a labor dispute that began in June. After a controversial call cost the Green Bay Packers a win against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night and two subsequent days of negotiations, the two sides reached a tentative eight-year deal.
With the agreement, which is the longest in league history, the refs will receive a raise and back pay for time during the lockout. The NFL also agreed to extend the defined pension plan for five more years until the officials are put on a 401(k) plan. Retirement benefits will also be given to new hires under the deal.
