But one person on the players' side said yesterday that he wasn't certain the owners would implement.

At that time, the owners will declare an impasse in negotiations and implement their salary cap.

The owners could instantly implement their plan now and have all 10 teams play off for the American League pennant.

The owners could not implement their proposal of last June 14 because it guarantees the players $1 billion of the clubs' revenue.

The union threatens even more court action if owners implement their new proposal.

A signing by Thursday, when owners might implement a new salary plan, is unlikely.

Union officials believe the owners would implement a new system by the end of the World Series.

The owners declared an impasse and implemented a salary cap the following day.

Under terms of the bill, if the owners unilaterally implemented new work rules, the players could challenge them in court.

If there was no impasse, the owners could not have implemented new work rules unilaterally.