According to news reports, the NFL and the referees union reached a tentative deal that will be voted on this weekend. Pension accruals will continue for current refs through 2016, at which time they will be offered a 401(k) plan. Any new refs hired between now and then will only be offered the 401(k).
The deal is good news for coaches, players and fans that have complained about controversial calls from replacement refs (see “Pension Battle Affecting NFL Games”). Officials will be back on the job immediately.